China Warns of Retaliation Over Trump’s Tariff Threat Linked to Iran Arms Allegations

Beijing has strongly reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods over allegations that China is providing military assistance to Iran.

On Tuesday, China warned Washington that it would take firm countermeasures if the United States proceeds with tariff increases based on what it called “groundless accusations.”

On April 12, Trump announced that he would impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports if Beijing supplies any form of military aid to Tehran. The warning comes ahead of a planned bilateral meeting next month between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, raising concerns about a renewed trade conflict between the two global powers.

According to U.S. intelligence reports, China is preparing to supply air defense systems to Iran within the coming weeks. The New York Times, citing U.S. officials, reported that Beijing may have already shipped a batch of shoulder-fired missiles.

However, on April 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the reports as “completely fabricated” during a press briefing. He stated that if the United States uses these allegations as a pretext to impose additional tariffs, China will take “resolute and effective countermeasures” to safeguard its interests.

In a subsequent statement on the social media platform X, the Foreign Ministry reiterated that China strictly adheres to international law and its own rigorous policies regarding the export of military equipment.