Trump threatens to impose 50% tariffs on China; China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds to accusations regarding arms exports

According to CNBC, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on China after reports emerged that China plans to deliver air-defense systems to Iran. The report has not been verified, but U.S. intelligence agencies indicated that China may supply Iran with man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS); if true, such action could further escalate tensions in the Middle East. On April 13, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jia Kun addressed the allegations at a press conference, emphasizing that China consistently adopts a cautious and responsible approach toward arms exports, strictly managing them in accordance with its domestic export control laws and regulations as well as its international obligations. He rejected baseless smears or malicious associations and stated, “A tariff war has no winners.”