Donald Trump has claimed that China “wants to make a deal badly” following the imposed reciprocal tariffs, but Beijing has yet to respond, leaving the US President waiting, as tensions rise in a deepening trade standoff. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump boasted of progress with South Korea while taking a swipe at his predecessor Joe Biden.

He also took aim at China, writing: “We are waiting for their call. It will happen!” But the Chinese government has shown no sign of backing down. In a statement issued by its commerce ministry, officials accused the US of “blackmail” and warned that China would “fight to the end” if Trump escalates his tariff threats.

The warning came after Trump threatened to slap a further 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing reversed a newly announced 34% reciprocal tariff on US goods. That was on top of an earlier 20% levy imposed by Washington.

“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9,” Trump wrote on Monday.

He added: “Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”

In response, a Chinese state media editorial called Trump’s approach “naked extortion” and said it was “not diplomacy” but “blunt coercion dressed up as policy”.

The row has rattled global markets. On Monday, stocks suffered their worst drop in months.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index plunged nearly 7%, its worst day since 1997. Taiwan’s market also saw a record fall.

In contrast, Tuesday brought a slight rebound. China’s blue-chip stocks climbed 0.7%, while Japan’s Nikkei Index jumped 6% after Tokyo agreed to open trade talks with Washington.

Beijing, however, has not made any public move to engage with Trump. Experts say China is deliberately keeping the president at arm’s length.

Wen-ti Sung, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, said the US and China were “locked in a game of chicken”.

“Like two race cars driving directly toward each other, whoever swerves first will stand to lose prestige and profit,” he told The Guardian.

He added: “China is still waiting to get more assurance from Trump that if it accommodates his demands, it will actually benefit - rather than encourage more.”

Trump’s round of tariffs, dubbed “liberation day” levies, have targeted multiple nations, not just China.

The European Union has vowed to retaliate with 25% tariffs on a range of US goods, while Taiwan has proposed a zero-tariff agreement and offered to open trade talks “at any time”.