China warns US over possible new tariffs

BEIJING: (Web Desk) – China has warned that it will take “countermeasures” if US President Donald Trump proceeds with a proposed tariff hike, following allegations linking Beijing to potential military support for Iran. The dispute comes amid rising geopolitical friction between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump, who is expected to visit Beijing next month for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, recently stated that Chinese goods could face up to 50% tariffs if China provides military assistance to Tehran. The warning has added fresh tension to already strained US–China relations.

China denies claims of supplying weapons to Iran

US media reports, including CNN and The New York Times, suggested that intelligence assessments indicated China may be preparing or has already supplied certain defensive military systems to Iran. However, Chinese officials strongly rejected these claims, calling them “completely fabricated.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that if the United States uses such reports as justification for new trade restrictions, Beijing will respond firmly with retaliatory measures.

China remains one of Iran’s key economic partners, particularly as a major buyer of its oil, although analysts note that the relationship is largely transactional rather than based on formal military cooperation. Beijing also maintains significant economic ties with Gulf countries and has previously criticized attacks on regional energy infrastructure.