Taiwan Watches as US-China Trade War Escalates: 'Fight to the End' Vows

Tensions Flare as Beijing and Washington Square Off in a High-Stakes Trade Battle with Global Implications for Taiwan.

The escalating trade war between the United States and China has reached a fever pitch, with significant implications for Taiwan. China has vowed to "fight to the end" in response to potential 50 percent tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump, further intensifying a conflict that has already shaken global markets.

Trump's aggressive trade policies, marked by widespread tariffs, have disrupted the global economy, raising concerns of an international recession. Despite market volatility, Trump has indicated no intention of altering his course.

Beijing responded swiftly, announcing 34 percent duties on US goods, set to take effect imminently, deepening the confrontation between the world's two largest economies.

This response triggered another warning from Trump, who threatened additional levies if Beijing refuses to cease its resistance to the tariffs – potentially raising the overall duties on Chinese goods to 104 percent.

"I have great respect for China, but they cannot do this," Trump stated at the White House. "We are going to have one shot at this... I’ll tell you what, it is an honor to do it."

China swiftly condemned what it termed "blackmailing" by the US, promising "countermeasures" if Washington imposes tariffs beyond the initial 34 percent.

"If the US insists on going its own way, China will fight it to the end," a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson asserted.

Beijing urged Washington to engage in talks with "equality, respect, and mutual benefit" as its guiding principles.

A 10 percent "baseline" tariff on US imports globally took effect on Saturday, and additional nations are now affected by higher duties, including the 34 percent levy on Chinese goods.

Trump's tariffs have had a significant impact on global markets, resulting in trillions of US dollars being wiped off combined stock market valuations.

The US president doubled down on Monday, stating he was "not looking" at a pause in the implementation of the tariffs.

Trump also cancelled potential meetings with China regarding tariffs, while maintaining the US's openness to negotiating with any country willing to engage.

US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent mentioned in an interview with Fox News that Japan would receive "priority" in trade negotiations due to its proactive approach.

Numerous nations have expressed interest in trade talks, according to Bessent, who added that "through good negotiations, all we will do is see levels come down."

During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first leader to personally advocate for lower tariffs with Trump, the president noted: "There can be permanent tariffs and there can also be negotiations, because there are things that we need beyond tariffs."