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.

China has vowed to retaliate against U.S. tariffs, declaring its readiness to engage in any trade war. The Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a statement condemning the latest tariff hikes imposed by the U.S. government. Former President Donald Trump, in his first speech after securing a second term, announced additional tariffs, set to take effect on April 2. In response, China, along with Canada and Mexico, has threatened countermeasures. Analysts warn that the situation is escalating into a full-scale global trade war. On Tuesday night, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, while Chinese goods were hit with an additional 10% tariff.

According to a document released by AFP on Wednesday, China is working towards creating 12 million new jobs in the coming years. The country has taken this step due to the significant struggles faced by young people in securing employment. The government document reveals that China is aiming for “nearly five percent economic growth” in 2025. This target comes at a time when the country is grappling with several challenges, including new U.S. tariffs, a permanent crisis in the real estate sector, and persistently low consumer demand. Experts have described this target as ambitious.

Chinese geologists have claimed to have discovered a massive energy source that could potentially sustain the country for the next 60,000 years. According to reports from the Daily Mail, scientists in Beijing have identified a vast deposit of thorium in the Bayan Obo mineral complex, located in Inner Mongolia.

The thorium reserves found are so abundant that they could theoretically supply every household in China with unlimited energy. Thorium is a mildly radioactive element that can be used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. Scientists believe that a molten-salt reactor, powered by thorium, could produce an almost infinite amount of energy.

Experts estimate that if the entire thorium deposit in the mine is extracted, it could amount to one million tons, marking a groundbreaking discovery in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

In a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former President Donald Trump avoided committing to providing security for Ukraine against Russian aggression. According to Reuters, Trump suggested that a potential mineral agreement could secure Ukraine’s safety against Russia. The meeting focused on the Ukraine crisis and trade relations, as Trump’s stance on reducing the U.S.’s involvement in Europe’s security concerns remains a critical issue. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for stronger security for Ukraine during their discussions.

China has issued a strong warning after Taiwan announced plans to purchase $7-10 billion worth of weapons from the United States. Chinese State Council spokesperson Zhu Fenglian stated that such deals will not protect Taiwan’s pro-independence forces. She warned that Taiwan remains a mere pawn in a geopolitical game and that China’s 1.4 billion people will never accept its separation. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, dismissed the claims, asserting that Taiwan is not a chess piece but a player in its own right.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has described recent discussions on trade tensions as “constructive” following China’s strong condemnation of U.S. tariffs. Beijing accused Washington of imposing a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, warning that such actions could destabilize global trade. In retaliation, China imposed its own tariffs and lodged a formal complaint with the WTO. Representatives from six nations expressed concern over the escalating trade dispute, urging both sides to exercise restraint. The Chinese ambassador to the WTO warned that U.S. policies could lead to economic instability and recession, while the U.S. countered with accusations against China. Despite Trump’s history of withdrawing from international organizations, the U.S. has yet to decide on its stance regarding the WTO.