China threatens to "fight to the end" if the US maintains tariffs

China warned the United States on Tuesday that it is willing to "fight to the end" if Washington insists on imposing new tariffs and trade restrictions, although it reiterated its openness to dialogue.

"If you want to fight, we will fight to the end; if you want to talk, the door is open," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement, responding to the White House's announcement of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and other restrictive measures.

Beijing has argued that the recent restrictions imposed on the export of rare earths and related products are "legitimate actions" under national law and emphasized that they are not a total ban , as applications that meet the requirements "will continue to be approved as before." According to the ministry, China previously notified the United States of these measures through the bilateral export control dialogue mechanism.

Chinese authorities accuse Washington of “abusing the concept of national security ” and introducing “a series of discriminatory restrictions” since the last round of trade negotiations, held in September in Madrid.

The spokesperson urged the United States to "correct its mistakes," demonstrate "genuine sincerity," and work "in the same direction" as China to resume economic dialogue. Even so, Beijing recalled that "both countries share broad common interests and a vast space for cooperation" and that confrontation "harms both sides."

The statement indicates that the two countries maintain contact within the framework of the economic and trade consultation mechanism and even held a "technical meeting" on Monday. However, China criticized the US for attempting to engage in dialogue "while threatening new sanctions," saying it is "not the appropriate way to deal with China."

The exchange of statements comes at a time of renewed trade tensions , after China announced new restrictions on the export of rare earths last week and Washington responded by threatening to double tariffs on Chinese products.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he no longer saw any reason to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping , at the APEC summit scheduled for the end of the month in South Korea, although both countries assured that diplomatic contact "remains open."