Xi switches to fight mode as Trump trade deal looks unlikely

This combination of pictures created on April 04, 2025 shows, L-R, US President Donald Trump in Miami, Florida, on April 3, 2025 and China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 5, 2025. The world's second largest economy, China, appeared at the top of the tariffs list that Trump held up at the podium on April 3. - AFP

BEIJING: President Xi Jinping’s decision to quickly retaliate against Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs sent the world a clear message: If the US wants a trade war, China is ready to fight.

After weeks of responding with only targeted measures and calling for dialogue, China signaled a tougher approach on Friday (April 4) by answering Trump’s "reciprocal” tariffs with blanket duties of its own and more export controls. The Communist Party’s official newspaper followed that up with a Monday editorial declaring Beijing is no longer "clinging to illusions” of striking a deal, even as it leaves a door open to negotiations.