In a bold response to recent U.S. tariff hikes, China has declared its readiness to engage in any form of conflict, including a trade war, to protect its national interests. This announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, citing concerns over the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the fentanyl issue as a “flimsy excuse” for imposing additional tariffs, emphasizing that China is prepared to “fight till the end” in any conflict initiated by the U.S. He further stated that coercion and intimidation are ineffective strategies against China.

In retaliation, China has imposed tariffs of up to 15% on a variety of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, pork, and wheat, effective from March 10. This move aims to exert political pressure on the U.S. administration by targeting key agricultural exports.

The escalating trade tensions coincide with China’s National People’s Congress, where the government set a 5% economic growth target for 2025 and announced a 7.2% increase in defense spending. These measures underscore China’s commitment to self-reliance and readiness to counter external pressures.