China has fired back at President Donald Trump after the White House revealed a massive new 245% tariff rate on Chinese exports to the United States on Wednesday.

The number, included in a White House fact sheet, was introduced “as a result of [China’s] retaliatory actions” and marks the highest escalation in the years-long trade battle between the two global superpowers, according to Global Times.

When asked directly about the 245% figure, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian sidestepped confirmation and tossed it back to Washington.

“You can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures,’” Lin said during a daily press conference. But he didn’t avoid the message. He accused the U.S. of relying on pressure tactics and manipulation to force Beijing into talks.

“The tariff war was initiated by the US,” Lin said. “China has taken necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal.”

Lin made it clear that while China isn’t looking for a fight, it won’t be bullied either. “Tariff and trade wars have no winner. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them.”

Lin said if the United States actually wants to negotiate, it has to quit the threats. “Washington should stop its practice of ‘maximum pressure’ and give up threats and blackmail if it truly wants dialogue and negotiation.” Lin repeated that any real resolution will require the U.S. to step back from the tactics it’s using now.

Trump demands action as pressure mounts in U.S.-China trade war

The latest round of drama started after the White House pushed out a statement on Tuesday demanding Beijing take the first step. Trump followed up through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, saying, “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.” That quote mirrored what Lin had just said about the pressure coming from Washington.

The 245% tariff now being imposed by the U.S. follows earlier tit-for-tat tariff hikes. The trade war has seen the United States hike tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, and China respond with a 125% duty on American products. Meanwhile, Beijing has tightened the screws on its own end by restricting exports of certain critical materials tied to the aerospace and defense industries.

But the fight hasn’t stopped China’s numbers from climbing. On the economic front, Beijing reported 5.4% GDP growth for the first quarter. Industrial output went up by 6.5%, and retail sales rose 4.6% compared to the same time last year. That performance came in stronger than expected, even with the ongoing trade war weighing down global supply chains.

While Trump has been bragging about tariff collections, China is pushing its own line. Lin said again that China’s stance is rooted in defending its rights, not backing down under American pressure. Still, Trump doubled down on his claims. Posting on Truth Social, the president wrote, “The United States is taking in RECORD NUMBERS in Tariffs, with the cost of almost all products going down, including gasoline, groceries, and just about everything else. Likewise, INFLATION is down. Promises Made, Promises Kept!”

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