China Signals Defiance Amid Escalating Economic Tensions with the U.S.
As U.S. President Donald Trump intensified economic pressure on China over the past week, Beijing responded with a clear message: its economic rise will not be derailed.
Against the backdrop of the annual “Two Sessions” political gathering—where China’s legislature and top advisory body outline national priorities—Beijing reaffirmed its commitment to economic resilience and technological advancement.
At the top of its agenda is boosting domestic consumer demand to reduce reliance on exports, a key measure to sustain China’s vast but slowing economy. Another priority is advancing President Xi Jinping’s vision of transforming China into a global technological powerhouse through increased investment and private-sector engagement.
These initiatives come as China braces for what could be a prolonged economic confrontation with the United States. On Tuesday, Trump announced a doubling of additional tariffs on all Chinese imports to 20%, with further restrictions, including tighter controls on American investment in China, potentially on the horizon.
Addressing thousands of delegates at the opening of the National People’s Congress on Wednesday, China’s second-highest official, Li Qiang, expressed confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. “We can prevail over any difficulty in pursuing development,” he said, adding that the “giant ship of China’s economy” would “sail steadily toward the future.”
China’s foreign ministry took an even firmer stance. When asked about the escalating trade tensions on Tuesday, a spokesperson warned: “If the U.S. insists on waging a tariff war, trade war, or any other kind of war, China will fight till the end.”
