China has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles, drones, aerospace components, and military technology. The move has raised concerns across global industries, especially in the US, which relies heavily on Chinese imports for these materials. Shipments have already been blocked at major Chinese ports. Analysts believe the decision may be a retaliatory response to increased tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

In response to Trump’s hike in tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, Beijing imposed up to 125% tariffs on U.S. imports but declared it would not escalate further. The news triggered a global stock market downturn, a dip in the dollar’s value, and a rush on U.S. government bonds. Gold prices soared to record highs. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent said bilateral trade deals could stabilize markets. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a meeting with Spain’s PM, urged joint EU-China resistance to U.S. “bullying” and expressed interest in rules-based global trade.

Following the U.S. decision to impose a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, China is ramping up engagement with major trade blocs. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held virtual meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul. Both sides expressed eagerness to initiate negotiations on market access and electric vehicle pricing, and to redirect exports previously bound for the U.S. toward Europe. China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and all trade partners.

China has called on India to join forces in confronting the consequences of U.S. trade protectionism, particularly policies introduced under former President Donald Trump.

Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, stated, “The China-India relationship is built on economic complementarity and mutual benefit. The unreasonable tariff policies of the United States have deprived many nations—especially in the Global South—of their development rights. As the world’s two largest developing nations, China and India should tackle these challenges together.”

She added, “No one wins in a trade or tariff war. Countries must uphold principles of broad consultation, genuine multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.”

In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, China has announced an 84% tariff on all American goods, effective from Thursday. This move comes in retaliation to the United States imposing a 104% tariff on Chinese imports, which Beijing has described as “oppressive.”

The Chinese Ministry of Finance stated that the new tariffs are a necessary response to the U.S.‘s aggressive trade policies. Analysts believe this development marks the beginning of another round of trade war between the world’s two largest economies—raising concerns about potential negative impacts on the global economy.

Despite the escalation, China has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the U.S. government to resolve the conflict. In a white paper released on Wednesday, Beijing emphasized its consistent efforts to maintain mutually beneficial trade relations with Washington. The document acknowledges that trade disputes are “normal” but stresses the importance of safeguarding China’s national interests.

Starting Wednesday, the United States is enforcing a 104% tariff on a range of Chinese goods, following an announcement by former President Donald Trump. Earlier, on April 2, a 34% tariff was imposed, adding to a previous 20% duty. In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff on U.S. goods last Friday. Trump warned of an additional 50% tariff if China does not retract its decision. China’s response measures take effect from Thursday.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose up to 50% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting a fierce response from Beijing, which warned that it will “fight to the end.” The escalating trade war has caused turmoil in global markets and increased fears of a recession. In retaliation, China announced a 34% tariff on US goods effective Thursday. Trump then raised the stakes further, stating total tariffs on Chinese imports could reach 104% if Beijing does not back down. A Chinese spokesperson criticized the US for its “blackmailing tactics.”

In response to the Trump administration’s new tariffs on Chinese imports, China has announced a 34% additional tariff on all U.S. goods, effective from April 10. The Chinese finance ministry confirmed the surcharge will be applied over existing duties. Additionally, China has restricted the export of seven rare minerals, including gadolinium and yttrium. Beijing also plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization. This comes as the U.S. imposes a universal 10% tariff on all imports.

During a visit to Moscow, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s strong ties with Russia, stating:
“China and Russia are eternal friends and will never be enemies.”

He also welcomed signs of improved relations between Washington and Moscow, expressing China’s willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

In early 2022, just before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an “unlimited” strategic partnership. Since then, the two leaders have strengthened cooperation on global issues, including Taiwan, Ukraine, and their shared rivalry with the United States.

China has launched military exercises surrounding Taiwan, involving the country’s army, navy, and rocket forces. The drills serve as a stern warning against Taiwan’s push for independence.

The move follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent remarks labeling Beijing as a foreign hostile force.

Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed that China’s Shandong aircraft carrier group entered the island’s defense zone on Monday. In response, Taiwan has deployed military aircraft, naval ships, and activated land-based missile systems.

Chinese military spokesperson Tian Junli stated that the People's Liberation Army conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea on Friday. He accused the Philippines of escalating tensions by collaborating with non-regional nations for joint patrols. Junli warned that such actions threaten regional stability and reiterated that relying on external powers would not benefit the Philippines. The warning came a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed support for Manila against "Communist China's threats."

China will provide duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi products until 2028, extending benefits for two years after Bangladesh transitions to a developing country. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang announced this during a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the Boao Forum for Asia. China also expressed interest in a free trade agreement and pledged support for Bangladesh’s interim government. Additionally, China will fund Mongla Port modernization, facilitate mango exports, and assist in resolving the Rohingya crisis through diplomatic efforts.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has reported the detection of 59 Chinese military aircraft near its airspace. This is the highest number recorded since last October when President Lai Ching-te referred to China as a ‘foreign adversary.’ Additionally, Taiwan detected nine Chinese warships and two surveillance balloons within a 24-hour period.

China’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Beijing will host a trilateral meeting on Iran’s nuclear issue on March 14.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will lead the discussions, with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi participating.

The meeting aims to exchange views on Iran’s nuclear program and other mutual interests. Recently, Iran, Russia, and China conducted a joint naval drill near Iran’s Chabahar Port in the southeast.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed support for Egypt and other Arab nations’ efforts to restore peace in Gaza. He stated that Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian territory and warned that forcibly altering its status would not bring peace but rather fuel further instability. Wang stressed the urgency of securing a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza while ramping up humanitarian aid. He also called for the global community to uphold the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” and contribute more to Gaza’s reconstruction. China urged world leaders to focus on a two-state solution and increase support for an independent Palestinian state.