Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Photo: Susan Walsh / AP
China has officially put its civilian government officials in Beijing on “war footing” in response to new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. Reuters reports this with reference to four sources in the Chinese government. An official order cancelled diplomatic holidays, strengthened departments responsible for the United States, and launched aggressive propaganda on social media.
📢 The video on Chinese platforms features the voice of Mao Zedong: “We will never surrender.” This challenge to Washington is part of a large-scale diplomatic campaign aimed at engaging other countries in the fight against American protectionism.
“China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of it either,” the official statement of the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
Beijing has been trying to reach an agreement with the Trump administration for months, even considering a “grand bargain” that would cover trade, TikTok, and even Taiwan. However, after the new tariffs imposed on Liberation Day, China changed its strategy: now it is retaliating with a tough response and a diplomatic offensive.
China sends appeals to US allies in Europe, Japan and South Korea, calling for a united response. Trade with the United States is almost frozen, imports of American films are restricted, and a warning is issued to tourists.
At the same time, Trump hints at a possible meeting with Xi Jinping, although Beijing is in no hurry to respond. Chinese officials believe: “there is no clear channel of communication with the Trump team”. Even attempts at informal contacts through Elon Musk or Senator Rubio have proved futile.
