Beijing Vows to Fight to the End in Ongoing Trade War with US

The trade war between the world’s two largest economies is back – louder, tougher, and far more dangerous for the global economy. 

After months of uneasy calm, new tariffs, accusations, and port fees have reopened one of the most important geopolitical and economic rivalries of our time. This time, China says it will “fight to the end”. 

It began with a familiar pattern – a threat from Washington and an angry response from Beijing. 

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of trying “to pull everybody else down with them” and hurt the global economy. 

China’s Commerce Ministry hit back immediately. It accused the US of “threatening to intimidate” China with aggressive trade measures and said it would “fight to the end” in trade negotiations. 

This verbal clash didn’t come out of nowhere. Both sides have been quietly preparing for another confrontation. 

The latest tensions started when the US imposed new port fees on Chinese-linked cargo ships – extra charges on vessels entering American ports. Washington said the move was to counter China’s “unfair maritime trade practices”.  

Beijing retaliated within hours. Chinese ports introduced matching fees on American ships, raising the cost of global trade overnight. 

While the US targeted ships, China turned to its most powerful weapon: rare earths. These are critical minerals used in smartphones, electric vehicles, and even fighter jets. Beijing has a near monopoly on their global supply. 

Last week, China tightened export controls on these rare earths, citing national security concerns. It also refused to share advanced processing technologies and reduced purchases of American soybeans. 

Trump reacted with predictable fury. He announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese exports starting November 01. Beijing called this an act of “economic intimidation”.

As of late September, US tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 58% on average. China’s tariffs on American imports stand at 33%. In theory, both sides paused new tariffs until November 10 to allow for talks. 

But in practice, Trump’s administration have already implemented new duties – this week, tariffs on imported timber, kitchen cabinets, and furniture came into effect. These are everyday goods that American households rely on. Most come from China. Prices are expected to rise, adding new pressure to already strained supply chains. 

Despite all this, China’s economy is not crumbling. In fact, it’s adapting. In September, Chinese exports rose by 8%, reaching $320 billion – the fastest growth in six months. Shipments to the US dropped sharply, by 27%, but China quickly made up the difference by selling more to Europe and Southeast Asia. Exports to non-US markets jumped nearly 15% – proof that Beijing is learning to live without America. China’s strategy is clear: build new trade routes, deepen ties with Europe, Africa, and ASEAN countries, and reduce dependence on the US market altogether. 

While the US and China fight, Europe is feeling the heat. China’s restrictions on rare earth exports and other industrial materials have hit European manufacturers hard. 

European leaders fear being dragged into a trade war that could derail fragile recoveries across the continent. Inflation is still high, and energy prices remain unstable. If the US-China standoff deepens, Europe’s supply chains – especially in technology and electric vehicles – could be severely disrupted.

This is no longer just a trade dispute. It’s a global power struggle between two economic giants competing for control of supply chains, technology, and influence. 

Trump’s America wants to rebuild its industrial power and force Beijing to play by its rules. China wants to prove that it can’t be bullied, that it can grow without depending on the US. 

But the cost – for both – is rising fast. Factories in both countries are facing uncertainty, global investors are getting nervous, and ordinary consumers around the world will soon feel the impact through higher prices.  

In fact, each side believes it can outlast the other. And they really believe so.

Beijing maintains it will “fight to the end”. The trade war that once seemed settled is now fully reignited. 

And this time, neither side looks ready to blink. 

I don't know about you but as far as I am concerned, the United States is taking a beating!

Malaysia's world No. 8 Sivasangari Subramaniam overcame American world No. 9 Amanda Sobhy 12-10, 12-10, 8-11, 11-6 to reach the semi-finals of the $130,500 Silicon Valley Open at Redwood City in the United States on Monday. 

It was the third seed's fourth win over Sobhy in six meetings. Sivasangari will face Egypt's seventh seed Salma Hany for a place in the final.