'They’re just a tax on Americans': China warns US public as Trump’s tariffs bite

China warns Americans: tariffs are a tax on you.

The war of words between the US and China over President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs has taken a new turn, with Beijing now aiming its message directly at the American public.

In its latest communication offensive, China is warning that ordinary Americans—not foreign countries—will bear the cost of Trump's aggressive trade policies.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning posted a video on X featuring a man supposed to be a US importer. In the clip, he addresses Trump supporters and the broader American public, warning that tariffs will drive up prices and burden consumers.

Mao captioned the post: "Foreign countries pay the tariffs? No — US businesses pay, then pass costs to you. Tariffs don’t bring manufacturing back. They’re just a tax on Americans."

Foreign countries pay the tariffs? NoUS businesses pay, then pass costs to you. Tariffs dont bring manufacturing back. Theyre just a tax on Americans. pic.twitter.com/iOw3IrFpiQ Mao Ning (@SpoxCHN_MaoNing) April 12, 2025

The message reflects China’s strategic shift to engage with US citizens and challenge the narrative that tariffs target foreign economies without domestic consequences.

The post comes amid mounting economic tension between the world’s two largest economies. President Trump recently announced a steep increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, calling them “reciprocal tariffs.”

These tit-for-tat measures mark a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade conflict, with both sides using steep duties as tools in a widening economic standoff.

On April 9, Trump temporarily paused tariffs on imports from all countries for 90 days, but notably excluded China. Instead, he raised Chinese tariffs further to 125 per cent, underscoring Washington’s intent to isolate Beijing and apply maximum economic pressure.

China has warned of long-term global consequences if the dispute continues to spiral. While Beijing continues to project defiance, its use of messaging directed at the American public, along with invoking former US leaders like Ronald Reagan in past posts, suggests a calculated attempt to challenge Trump’s protectionist stance using America’s own political legacy.