China blasts Trump's 'bullying' tariffs, vows countermeasures

Beijing urges consultations; Fitch downgrade delivers separate blow

20250403 port in Shanghai

China said the U.S. was "ignoring" the benefits it derives from the global trading system, after President Donald Trump announced a raft of new tariffs. © Reuters

STELLA YIFAN XIE and WATARU SUZUKI

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI -- China on Thursday vowed to retaliate after U.S. President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on dozens of countries to new heights, sharply escalating tensions between the superpowers.

China's Ministry of Commerce said it "firmly opposes" the U.S. tariffs and "will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests." The statement came hours after Trump announced sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of countries including a 34% tax on China, which will take effect April 9, on top of the 20% additional levies he had already imposed over fentanyl and previously existing duties.

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