U.S., China Lock in Escalating Tariff War

The escalating tariff war between the U.S. and China has seen President Donald Trump impose a staggering 145% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting severe backlash and retaliation from Beijing, which has raised its tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. This rapid escalation has created significant disruption in trade, with shipping capacity between the two nations expected to plummet, leading to fears of a broader economic slowdown. Chinese officials have condemned U.S. tariffs as 'economic bullying' and are pursuing legal action against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization. Both nations find themselves in a precarious standoff, with each side challenging the other to back down amid rising economic tensions and geopolitical implications. Experts warn that the ongoing conflict risks harming both economies, which are intricately linked through trade and investment. The situation continues to evolve as diplomatic channels grow more strained, raising the specter of long-term economic decoupling.