China has condemned US President Donald Trump's latest tariff threat, vowing to retaliate if Washington follows through with a proposed 50% hike on Chinese imports, as tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to escalate.

China on Tuesday rejected US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 50% duty on Chinese imports, stating it would "fight till the end," according to state news agency Xinhua.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed strong opposition to any further tariff increases by Washington and pledged to take countermeasures to protect its rights.

"China will fight till the end if the US side continues along this path," the ministry said, describing the threat as an escalation of past actions that challenges the international trade system.

“The so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’ against China are unjustified and reflect a unilateral approach,” it added, noting that China’s responses are intended to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development, as well as to maintain a fair international trade order.

Trump on Monday reiterated his threat to impose additional 50% tariffs on Chinese goods, in addition to the 34% “reciprocal” tariffs announced the week before, unless China reverses its decision to impose similar duties on US imports. The US had previously enacted a 20% tariff on Chinese products.

China's response options

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian criticised the tariffs, calling them an example of protectionism. In response to the tariffs, Xinhua senior editor Liu Hong suggested various measures, including adjusting tariffs on US agricultural products, limiting certain imports from the US, and reviewing trade practices of US companies operating in China.

As tensions between the two nations continue, both sides have indicated their readiness to take further actions.

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