US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension on the implementation of “reciprocal tariffs” for 75 countries on Thursday (Apr 10).
However, he made it clear that China would not be included in the exemption.
Trump stated that the tariff rate on Chinese goods would increase from 104% to 125%, a move he claimed was necessary to counter what he described as “economic threats” from Beijing.
Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 9, 2025
China hits back with 84% tariff and vows to retaliate
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) April 9, 2025
The Chinese government condemned the US move as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and labeled it an act of “bullying.”
🇨🇳 We will not let anyone take away the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development. We will not tolerate any attempt to harm China’s sovereignty, security and development interests. pic.twitter.com/ifllbaawe8
— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) April 9, 2025
Officials also raised the travel alert for citizens heading to the US, especially Chinese students, urging them to conduct safety risk assessments and stay vigilant.
Local businesses add 104% service fee for American customers
As tensions rise, Chinese shop owners have begun expressing their patriotism in unusual ways.
Across several cities, banners have been seen outside stores declaring a 104% service charge exclusively for American customers.
These actions appear to be in solidarity with the government’s tough stance and reflect growing public anger over what many see as unfair treatment by the US.
Nationalist rhetoric is gaining traction online, with users on Weibo likening the movement to a modern-day “Boxer Rebellion.”
The phrase “stand with the motherland” has been trending alongside images of stores proudly displaying their surcharge banners.
The tone of public discourse continues to harden, signaling a deepening divide between the two countries beyond just economic disputes.
US warns allies not to side with China
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned European allies—particularly Spain—against aligning too closely with Beijing.
Bessent claimed that any cooperation with China could “sever their own lifeline,” suggesting that a unified Western front was critical in handling the growing friction with China. He also hinted at forming a coalition of aligned nations to jointly address China’s global economic influence.
