Overview

• President Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with a 125% tariff on US goods, intensifying the trade standoff.
• Trump stated that 'the ball is in China’s court,' emphasizing that the US holds economic leverage and does not need to rush into a deal.
• Chinese official Xia Baolong condemned the US tariff strategy as a threat to China's survival, calling it 'brutally unreasonable' and warning of long-term repercussions.
• Xia's rhetoric included mocking Americans as 'peasants' and accusing the US of blackmail and bullying, further straining diplomatic relations.
• The Trump administration is reportedly working with over 70 countries to economically isolate China unless it agrees to US trade terms.