China has hardened its stance against the United States, warning that it is prepared to "fight to the end" amid a conflict encompassing trade, diplomatic, and even military tensions. At the same time, Beijing has reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue, provided that it is based on mutual respect and equality.
The confrontation between China and the United States has escalated rapidly in recent weeks, covering trade, diplomatic, and military aspects. "The United States and no one else is responsible for the fentanyl crisis within that country," stated the Chinese spokesman, who argued that Beijing has made significant efforts to help Washington address this issue.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, the spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, issued a statement that significantly raises bilateral tensions. "They are punishing us for helping them," he claimed. While Washington justifies its tariff measures as a response to the opioid crisis and national security concerns, Beijing interprets them as a strategy of intimidation and blackmail.
For its part, the increase in China's military budget and Lin Jian's statements reflect a more aggressive posture from Beijing, which seems prepared to respond firmly to any actions perceived as a threat to its sovereignty or strategic interests.
In retaliation for the tariff measures imposed by Washington, which also affect Mexico and Canada, China announced new tariffs on U.S. agricultural and food goods worth a total of $21 billion. "If what the United States wants is a war, whether it be a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we are willing to fight to the end," Jian stated. This message coincides with China announcing a 7.2% increase in its defense budget for this year.
The fentanyl crisis has become a new axis of diplomatic confrontation between the two countries, while Beijing has also imposed restrictions on the investment of 25 American companies, citing national security reasons. This budget increase underscores Beijing's determination to consolidate its position as a global military power and to respond to what it perceives as a growing threat from Washington.
