China has unveiled sweeping countermeasures against new US tariffs, including export controls on US tech firms and retaliatory duties on American agricultural goods. This tit-for-tat move comes after Washington imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese exports last week, citing fentanyl concerns – a claim Beijing calls \"misguided.\"
Tech and Agriculture in the Crosshairs 🔫
Fifteen US companies, including defense contractor Leidos, face immediate export bans on dual-use tech items from China. Meanwhile, agri-giants will feel the sting starting March 2025: 15% tariffs hit US wheat and poultry exports, while 10% duties target soybeans and beef – key sectors in battleground states.
Diplomatic Chess Meets Economic Warfare 🌐
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian didn’t hold back: \"The fentanyl crisis is America’s Game of Thrones – and they’re looking for dragons to blame.\" China simultaneously filed a WTO case arguing the tariffs violate international trade rules. Analysts warn the measures could disrupt global vaccine research and crop markets.
What’s Next? 🤔
Beijing offered an olive branch: \"Let’s TikTok this out,\" Lin suggested, urging talks over tariffs. But with restrictions on gene-sequencing giant Illumina starting in 2025, the tech cold war just got hotter. Stay tuned for more updates on this economic showdown!
