China Urges U.S. to Stop 'Maximum Pressure' and Blackmail Amid 145% and 125% Tariff Dispute

China has called on the United States to cease its strategy of 'maximum pressure' and to stop using threats and blackmail in their ongoing trade negotiations. This demand comes in response to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that 'the ball is in China's court' regarding the tariff dispute. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Lin Jian, emphasized that the U.S. initiated the tariff war, and China has only taken necessary countermeasures to protect its interests and uphold international fairness. Lin Jian stressed that if the U.S. genuinely seeks a resolution through dialogue, it must engage with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit. The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on many Chinese imports, while China has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. goods. Amidst the escalating trade tensions, China's economy reported a 5.4% growth in the first quarter of 2025, reaching $4.42 trillion, surpassing expectations. This growth was partly driven by exporters rushing to ship goods before the imposition of new U.S. tariffs. Trump initially imposed 20% tariffs on imports from China over its alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain, then added 125% over trade practices deemed unfair by Washington, though certain tech products like smartphones and laptops were temporarily exempted from the latest levy. The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reiterated that it is up to Beijing to make the first move towards ending the dispute.