"We are Chinese, not afraid of provocations": Chinese Foreign Ministry shares old video of Mao Zedong

TDT | Manama
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In the latest chapter of the ongoing tariff war between China and the United States, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has expressed the country’s resolve, asserting that China "is not afraid of provocations" and "won’t back down." Mao’s defiant statement came alongside the sharing of an archival video featuring former Chinese leader Mao Zedong from 1953, which was filmed during the Korean War.

The video, which was shared on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), shows Mao Zedong addressing the challenges posed by the conflict, emphasizing China’s determination to persevere in the face of adversity. In the clip, Zedong states, "No matter how long this war is going to last, we will never yield. We'll fight until we completely triumph." The historical footage appears to be a clear reminder of China’s unyielding resolve when facing external pressure.

The timing of this video post coincides with heightened tensions between China and the US, as trade relations have soured over tariffs. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a dramatic hike in tariffs on Chinese imports, increasing duties to 125%. This move was a response to China’s retaliatory decision to raise tariffs on US goods, which went into effect on April 10. The tariffs imposed by China on US goods were raised from 34% to 84%, marking a sharp escalation in the trade war.

Trump’s announcement on Wednesday followed a series of threats and countermeasures between the two global powers. Earlier, the US had already raised tariffs on Chinese goods by up to 104%, to which China responded with its own tariff hikes. On Sunday, Trump had even warned of an additional 50% increase in tariffs if China did not back down.

The decision by both nations to escalate tariffs comes as the global economy continues to grapple with the far-reaching impacts of the trade war, which has sent shockwaves through international markets. The ongoing conflict is expected to affect bilateral trade, which in 2024 amounted to $7.3 billion, with the US importing $5.1 billion worth of goods from China. Key export sectors for China, including electronics and textiles, could face substantial disruptions due to the rising duties.

Despite the economic implications, the video shared by Mao Ning signals that China’s leadership is determined to withstand external pressures, positioning the ongoing tariff war as an ideological and economic battle akin to historical conflicts. As the trade standoff continues, it remains to be seen how these escalating tariffs will impact the global economic landscape and international trade relations.

China has consistently referred to the US's tariff measures as "groundless" and has decried them as a form of unilateral bullying. While the US and China prepare for future talks and negotiations, the video shared by Mao Ning underscores China’s unwavering stance in what is quickly becoming a defining issue in global trade relations.