Edi Koesno says Trump’s moves are economically self-destructive, and time will show that cooperation, not confrontation, is the way to shared prosperity.

Recently, the US government announced a further increase in tariffs on Chinese imports to 125 percent, claiming it was a response to China’s so-called “retaliatory measures”. Simultaneously, the White House website exaggeratedly labeled the “tariffs on China” as reaching 245 percent. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated unequivocally at a regular press briefing that China firmly opposes the United States’ unreasonable actions and reiterated China’s principled stance on tariffs: This tariff war was unilaterally provoked by the US. China’s countermeasures are aimed at safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and upholding international fairness and justice, which are entirely justified and lawful.  

Since initiating the tariff war against China in 2018, the US has repeatedly attempted to suppress China by raising tariffs. However, facts have proven that the tariff war has not only failed to achieve Washington’s objectives but has also severely harmed the US economy itself. At its core, the tariff war is a “zero-sum game”, and the ultimate victims are businesses and consumers in both China and the US.  

The US’ latest move to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125 percent — and its exaggerated claim of a 245 percent tariff rate — does not alter the fundamental reality: Current tariff levels have become entirely economically meaningless.  

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On the one hand, the competitiveness of Chinese goods stems primarily from efficient production capabilities and a robust supply-chain system, not merely low prices. Even if tariffs were raised further, US businesses and consumers would struggle to find alternative suppliers to fully replace Chinese goods. On the other hand, exorbitant tariff costs will directly burden American consumers, leading to higher prices and increased living expenses. Such measures not only fail to address trade imbalances but will exacerbate domestic social tensions in the US.  

Tariff war backfires

According to research by American think tanks, from 2018 to 2022 alone, tariffs imposed on Chinese goods increased the average annual household consumption cost in the US by approximately $1,300. Meanwhile, rising import costs have forced American companies to scale back investments, with some manufacturing firms even shutting down due to supply-chain disruptions. The US government’s purported goal of “protecting domestic industries through tariffs” has backfired, severely undermining the competitiveness of US manufacturing.  

Moreover, the tariff war has negatively impacted bilateral trade volumes. Data shows that since the US imposed tariffs on China, Sino-US trade has declined continuously, while US import costs from other countries have surged. This self-defeating approach only further isolates the US economy in the global market.  

Tariffs should serve as a tool for economic regulation. However, the US government has weaponized them for political posturing, inflating tariff figures and stoking confrontation to distract from domestic economic woes. Such tactics are not only counterproductive but have become a laughingstock in the international community.  

‘Numbers game’ lacks credibility

The White House’s claim of a 245 percent tariff rate on China is a blatant exaggeration devoid of factual basis. Tariff rates are an economic issue, not a political propaganda tool to be manipulated at will. This “numbers game” exposes the arbitrariness of US policymaking and severely damages Washington’s international credibility. To the global community, such irresponsible rhetoric only deepens distrust of US economic policies.  

By politicizing tariffs, the US has deviated from the principles of free trade and destabilized the fairness of the multilateral trading system. The World Trade Organization explicitly requires member states to resolve disputes through negotiation, not unilateral punitive measures. Yet, the US government has repeatedly flouted these rules, weaponizing tariffs to coerce concessions. Such actions harm not only China’s legitimate interests but also the global economic order.  

Despite these provocations, China has remained calm and rational, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to defending its interests through concrete actions.  

China’s tariff countermeasures are fully consistent with international law and multilateral trade rules. In response to the latest US tariff hikes, China’s customs tariff commission announced adjustments to tariffs on American imports on April 11, emphasizing that these measures are necessary to protect China’s rights and uphold global fairness.  

Furthermore, China has stressed that even if the US continues raising tariffs to absurd levels, such moves hold no economic significance. US exports to China already face minimal market acceptance, and further tariff hikes will only render American products utterly uncompetitive. This stance reflects not only China’s strong opposition to US actions but also its confidence in its own economic resilience.  

Lin stated clearly: “There are no winners in a tariff or trade war. China does not want to fight one, but it is never afraid to do so.” This declaration underscores China’s resolve to protect its interests against unfair competition. China is capable of countering US measures while advancing reform and opening-up to inject vitality into the global economy.  

A call to resume dialogue and cooperation

As the world’s two largest economies, China and the US must choose cooperation over confrontation. Prolonging the tariff war harms not only both nations but also global economic recovery. Thus, China urges the US to abandon its Cold War mentality, cease unilateralism and protectionism, and take concrete steps to normalize bilateral economic relations.  

The Chinese and US economies are highly complementary, with immense potential for collaboration. Amid global economic challenges, the two countries should work together to address issues like climate change and public health. China remains committed to fostering healthy and stable economic relations, but this requires genuine political will from the US.  

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In the face of rising unilateralism, the international community must unite to defend the rules-based multilateral trading system. China stands ready to cooperate with all nations to advance global trade liberalization and balanced economic development.  

The Trump government’s attempt to suppress China through tariffs is economically nonsensical and self-destructive. China’s position is clear: There are no victors in a tariff war. China does not seek conflict but will never shy away from it. As history will prove, cooperation and mutual benefit are the only viable path forward.  

The tariff war will eventually become a footnote in history, but the lesson will endure: Cooperation, not confrontation, is the way to shared prosperity.

The author is a member of the Fujian Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and vice-president of the Internet Professional Association.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.