China warns US it is ready for 'any type of war' as trade dispute escalates

In response to the escalating trade war initiated by the United States, China has warned that it is prepared to confront "any form" of conflict. The ongoing trade dispute between China and the U.S., the world's two largest economies, continues to intensify, impacting global economic stability.

Previously, the U.S. President doubled tariffs on all Chinese imports, raising them to 20%. As a countermeasure, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 15% on select U.S. goods, expanded export controls on more than a dozen American companies, and filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization to address the trade imbalances.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated this week that "If the U.S. wants a war, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other form of war, we are prepared to fight to the very end." He also emphasized that "pressure, coercion, and threats" are not the appropriate methods for the U.S. to engage with China, suggesting dialogue and mutual respect are more effective approaches.

Lin also refuted the Trump administration's claim that China is the driving force behind the influx of fentanyl into the U.S., calling it a "baseless excuse" to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. He stated, "The U.S., and no other country, should be held responsible for the fentanyl crisis within the United States. In the spirit of humanitarianism and goodwill towards the American people, we have taken strong measures to assist the U.S. in addressing this issue," highlighting China's efforts to cooperate on drug control.

As the Chinese government issues these strong statements, senior officials, including President Xi Jinping, have gathered in Beijing for the National People's Congress. During the meeting, officials announced on Wednesday that China's defense budget will increase by 7.2% this year, continuing plans to build a larger and more modernized military. China's military spending remains second only to the United States, and it already possesses the world's largest navy. Tensions with the U.S., Taiwan, Japan, and neighboring countries with overlapping claims in the crucial South China Sea are believed to be driving China's increased investment in increasingly high-tech military technology, including stealth fighters, the country's three—soon to be four—aircraft carriers, and the broad expansion of its nuclear arsenal.