'America is just a paper tiger': China mocks U.S. amid tariff clash

China mocks U.S. tariffs, calls America a 'paper tiger.'

The tariff showdown between Washington and Beijing has escalated into a sharp exchange of rhetoric. A day after Beijing’s defiant statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted two pointed messages on X aimed at the United States, intensifying the war of words.

One post features a photo of a ‘Make America Great Again’ (MAGA) cap labelled ‘Made in China,’ clearly mocking the U.S. and its trade practices. The red cap, emblazoned with Donald Trump’s campaign slogan in white letters, has become a signature symbol of his political brand.

pic.twitter.com/t9522BZKPI
Mao Ning (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) April 10, 2025

In another post, Mao Ning quoted former Chinese leader Mao Zedong: “The U.S. intimidates certain countries, stopping them from doing business with us. But America is just a paper tiger. Don’t believe its bluff. One poke and it’ll burst!”

China never bluffsand we see through those who do. pic.twitter.com/vwghvlJ2w0 Mao Ning (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) April 11, 2025

These remarks came as tensions surged over President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, citing what he called China’s “lack of respect” for global markets. Meanwhile, China responded with levies covering 84% of U.S. goods, signalling its refusal to back down.

As some nations race to offer concessions to avoid steeper U.S. tariffs, China’s confrontational stance has drawn Trump’s ire. On April 10, Beijing doubled down, stating it is “not afraid of provocations, and it won’t back down,” and even posted archival footage of Mao Zedong from 1953 to drive the message home.