China has openly defied President Trump’s 100% tariff threat, vowing to take “corresponding measures” and declaring it will not back down despite escalating trade tensions that could cripple American supply chains for critical military and consumer technologies.
Story Snapshot
- China refuses to back down from Trump’s 100% tariff threat, promising retaliation if pressed.
- Beijing restricts rare earth exports vital to the U.S. military and technology sectors.
- China controls 70% of global rare earth mining and 90% of processing capabilities.
- Trade war escalation threatens a potential Trump-Xi meeting and the existing trade truce.
China Doubles Down on Economic Warfare
China’s Commerce Ministry issued a defiant response to President Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs, stating, “We do not want a tariff war, but we are not afraid of one.”
This marks Beijing’s first official comment since Trump announced the tariff escalation scheduled for November 1, directly challenging American economic leverage.
The Chinese government accused the U.S. of resorting to threats instead of dialogue, while simultaneously promising “corresponding measures” to protect its interests.
Rare Earth Stranglehold Threatens American Security
China’s new export restrictions on rare earth metals represent a direct threat to American manufacturing and national security. These critical minerals power everything from military radar systems and jet engines to consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
China’s dominance is staggering—controlling nearly 70% of global rare earth mining and 90% of processing capabilities. The new regulations require foreign companies to obtain Chinese government approval before exporting any products containing Chinese-sourced rare earths, regardless of where manufacturing occurs.
China vows to stand firm against Trump's 100% tariff threat @WashTimes https://t.co/I6P1KC7vPQ
— Washington Times Local (@WashTimesLocal) October 12, 2025
Trump Administration Fights Back Against Chinese Manipulation
President Trump correctly identified China’s strategy as holding “the world captive” through rare earth restrictions, exposing Beijing’s willingness to weaponize critical resources against American interests. The administration has responded by expanding export controls on Chinese companies and implementing new port fees on Chinese ships.
This measured escalation demonstrates Trump’s commitment to breaking China’s stranglehold on vital supply chains that previous administrations allowed to develop unchecked.
Economic Battle Lines Drawn for November
The November 1 deadline for Trump’s 100% tariff implementation creates a critical inflection point in U.S.-China relations. Both sides have accused each other of violating their trade truce, with tariffs briefly reaching 100% levels in April before the current agreement.
China’s refusal to negotiate in good faith, combined with its economic hostility toward American businesses, validates Trump’s hardline approach.
The potential derailment of a Trump-Xi meeting underscores how China’s communist leadership prioritizes control over cooperation, leaving American consumers and manufacturers vulnerable to Beijing’s economic manipulation.
