China braces after Trump imposes new global tariff – how will it respond?
South China Morning Post
by Xinyi WuFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China is preparing its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's new global tariffs, which took effect after the Supreme Court invalidated his previous wide-ranging levies. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has confirmed that Beijing will review its trade countermeasures and engage in a new round of high-level trade talks with Washington ahead of Trump’s state visit in late March. These discussions aim to pave the way for potential progress, though China remains opposed to unilateral tariff measures and urges the U.S. to avoid further escalations.
The Supreme Court struck down Trump's 2018 tariffs, including reciprocal duties on Chinese goods and additional fentanyl-related tariffs. As a temporary measure, Trump issued an executive order imposing a 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S., effective Tuesday. On Saturday, he announced plans to increase some tariffs to 15%, though no official order has been issued yet. This move raises questions about whether Washington will resort to other tools to bypass legal challenges.
China’s readiness for dialogue signals its commitment to resolving trade tensions, despite ongoing concerns over reciprocity and market access. The talks are seen as a critical step in managing the complex relationship between the two economic giants. Both sides face significant pressures, with China balancing its opposition to unilateral actions while maintaining economic ties that are vital to global markets.
The outcome of these negotiations will not only shape U.S.-China trade dynamics but also impact international trade relations and global economic stability. As tensions remain high, the focus remains on whether both sides can find a balanced approach that addresses their respective interests without further escalating the conflict.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/24/2026