China Vows to Strike Back Against the U.S. to ‘Defend the Nation’s Dignity’

The dragon is not ready to bow to the eagle.

China roared back at the latest U.S. tariff threat Thursday, vowing to retaliate if the U.S. presses forward with plans to put 25 percent tariffs on additional $200 billion of Chinese imports.

“China is fully prepared and will have to retaliate to defend the nation’s dignity and the interests of the people,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Thursday.

China added: “The carrot and stick method won’t work.”

China is experiencing a weakening economy, hurting its ability to withstand U.S. trade pressure. And since China exports far more to the U.S. than it imports, it’s ability to retaliate with tariffs is limited.

The Trump administration said Thursday that it was considering increasing the tariff rate on the next $200 billion of goods from 10 percent to 25 percent.

“The Trump Administration continues to urge China to stop its unfair practices, open its market, and engage in true market competition. We have been very clear about the specific changes China should undertake,” U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer said in a statement Wednesday. “Regrettably, instead of changing its harmful behavior, China has illegally retaliated against U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.”

“First, I suggest the U.S. take the right attitude and not to try to blackmail China as it doesn’t work,” China’s Commerce Ministry spokesman said.