China has issued a firm rebuke against  U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to impose 50% tariffs on Chinese imports if he returns to office. The Chinese government has warned that such measures would provoke severe economic retaliation, potentially reigniting the trade war that dominated U.S.-China relations during Trump’s first term.

In a statement from China’s Commerce Ministry, officials described the proposed tariffs as “unreasonable and destabilizing,” emphasizing that China would take “all necessary measures” to protect its economic interests. Analysts fear that a new wave of tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, increase consumer prices, and escalate tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump, who is currently campaigning for the 2024 presidential election, has long advocated for aggressive trade policies against China. His previous administration imposed sweeping tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, leading to retaliatory measures from Beijing.

Experts warn that a 50% tariff could have far-reaching consequences, including reduced trade volumes, market volatility, and potential shifts in manufacturing away from China. The Biden administration has maintained some of Trump’s tariffs but has avoided drastic escalations.

As the U.S. election approaches, trade policy remains a critical issue, with China signaling it will not back down from a confrontation. The global business community is closely watching for further developments.