BBC: China Shows No Signs of Backing Down in Trade War with Trump

China is not backing down from the trade war initiated by Donald Trump, as the tariffs imposed by the US President continue to roil international markets. A new analysis by the BBC highlights the uncertain future and unknown conclusion of this escalating crisis. Trump’s tariffs against China have ignited a trade war between the two largest economies in the world, with no signs of retreat. Just hours after President Trump threatened to nearly double tariffs on China, Beijing responded that it would ‘fight until the end.’ This could leave most Chinese imports facing an impressive tax rate of 104%, marking a sharp escalation between the two sides. Smartphones, computers, lithium-ion batteries, toys, and video game consoles represent the bulk of China’s exports to the US, but other products, from tires to washing machines, are also affected. As deadlines loom in Washington, the global economy holds its breath. Analysts suggest that China will not back down unilaterally, as doing so would not only make it appear weak but also give leverage to the US for further demands. Global markets have declined since last week when Trump’s tariffs began to take effect. Asian stocks saw their worst drop in decades on April 7th. Meanwhile, China has retaliated with massive levies—34%—and Trump warned of countermeasures with additional 50% tariffs if Beijing does not yield. Uncertainty remains high as more tariffs, some exceeding 40%, are set to be implemented soon. Experts worry about the rapid pace of these developments, leaving governments, businesses, and investors little time to adapt. China has responded to Trump’s first round of tariffs with enormous levies on certain American imports, export controls on rare metals, and investigations into monopolistic practices by U.S. companies like Google. It has also allowed its currency, the yuan, to weaken, making Chinese exports more attractive. Predicting where things will go from here is difficult, according to Roland Rajah, chief economist at the Lowy Institute. China possesses a wide range of countermeasures, including further devaluation of its currency or sanctions against American firms. While some experts believe direct talks may occur, others remain pessimistic, questioning whether the US overestimates its market appeal. The future remains uncertain, with risks growing rapidly.