China has threatened to take 'resolute countermeasures' after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 50 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, raising the spectre of a renewed and potentially damaging trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

In a statement issued early Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the proposed tariffs, calling the move “completely groundless” and a “typical unilateral bullying practice.” "The countermeasures China has taken are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintaining the normal international trade order. They are completely legitimate," the ministry said.

"The US threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake and once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the US. China will never accept this. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end," the statement read.

Trump’s comments came late on Monday in a post on Truth Social, where he warned that if China did not reverse its newly announced 34 per cent tariff on US imports by 8 April, the US would respond with a 50 per cent tariff on Chinese goods, effective April 9.

“Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated,” he wrote.

If enforced, the combined tariffs could push total duties on Chinese imports above 100 per cent — in some cases higher than the value of the goods themselves. Economists have warned this could drive up prices for American consumers, many of whom rely heavily on Chinese-made products.

The threat comes in response to China’s own announcement of a 34 per cent tariff on US goods, a direct retaliation to reciprocal tariffs imposed by Washington last week. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he was undeterred.

“I don’t mind going through it,” he said. “Because I see a beautiful picture at the end.”

Financial markets showed mixed responses. The Nasdaq edged up 0.1 per cent on Monday, while the S&P 500 slipped by 0.23 per cent. Rumours of a possible 90-day pause in tariff escalation briefly lifted stocks, but the gains were quickly lost after the White House dismissed the idea.

On the international front, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly dispatching a delegation to Washington for trade talks after a phone call with Trump. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed tariff-related tensions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered the United States a “zero-for-zero” deal to eliminate tariffs on industrial goods, including automobiles. But she warned that the EU stood ready to protect itself if necessary.

“We’re always ready for a good deal,” she posted on X. “But we’re also prepared to protect ourselves from indirect effects through trade diversion.” The EU is expected to roll out its own set of reciprocal tariffs in two phases — one beginning next week, and another in May.

Back in Washington, Republican Senators Mike Lee and Ron Johnson took to X to urge Trump to consider the EU’s proposal. Although no new trade concessions were announced for Israel, Netanyahu pledged to eliminate his country’s trade deficit with the US, positioning Israel as a potential model for future bilateral deals.

 (With inputs from agencies)