Chinese state-run media promises consequences for Apple, others if Trump starts trade war

China has threatened that a trade war against the country will result in more harm to the U.S., with a state-run paper threatening that the government will take "countermeasures" against Apple's iPhone and the automotive industry if an economic conflict comes to pass.

"China will take a tit-for-tat approach then," the editorial by the Global Times declares. "A batch of Boeing orders will be replaced by Airbus. US auto and iPhone sales in China will suffer a setback, and US soybean and maize imports will be halted. China can also limit the number of Chinese students studying in the US."

The publication also points out that a U.S. president can only increase tariffs on all imported products from any country for 15 percent over 150 days. Higher tariffs must specify which goods in detail, such as President Obama's 35 percent tariff on Chinese tires in 2009.

"If Trump wrecks Sino-US trade, a number of US industries will be impaired," said the editorial. "Finally the new president will be condemned for his recklessness, ignorance and incompetence and bear all the consequences."

According to other Chinese media, President-Elect Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday, with the two men promising to meet "at an early date."

Gearing up for a battle with China, and U.S. businesses

In January, Trump promised that he would force Apple to manufacture its hardware in the US instead of utilizing to overseas labor, and proposed a 35 percent tax on businesses making goods overseas, rather than by U.S factories.

Apple manufactures the Mac Pro in Austin, Texas. The remainder of Apple's products are manufactured in China, and potentially India in the days to come.

Points 5 through 7 of Trump's "7 point plan to rebuild the American economy by fighting for free trade" could be considered hostile to China's interests.

In the plan, Trump declares that in the first 100 days of office, the treasury secretary will be directed to label China a currency manipulator, and the trade representative to China will bring trade cases against China specifically addressing unfair subsidy behavior.

Point 7 of the plan promises to bring to bear "every lawful presidential power to remedy trade disputes if China does not stop its illegal activities."

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87 Comments

ireland 18 Years · 17436 comments

About 8 years ago

Trump would be a major idiot to have a trade war with China. It would be economic suicide for the world. It'd be like going to war with yourself. Not a playground to test out your hair-brained ideas hairdo.

Let's just hope it's bullshit he spouted—as he does—merely to fool Americans into electing him. I get that Americans didn't want Hilary, but boy that's little choice there. One big fat big liar and another little skinny big fat liar. Like Pepsi or Pepsi with extra sugar thrown in.

JustaTecho 8 Years · 7 comments

ireland said:

Trump would be a major idiot to have a trade war with China. It would be economic suicide for the world. It'd be like going to war with yourself. Not a playground to test out your hair-brained ideas hairdo.

Let's just hope it's bullshit he spouted—as he does—merely to fool Americans into electing him. I get that Americans didn't want Hilary, but boy that's little choice there. One big fat big liar and another little skinny big fat liar. Like Pepsi or Pepsi with extra sugar thrown in.

Something to Ponder, I believe this was a Chinese article written to Chinese citizens... I am sure they have their share of citizens who are freaking out because of Trump's talk, my belief is this is the governments way to calm there citizens and show that they have power, and that they can deal with the laowai (foreigners).

mike1 10 Years · 3437 comments

"China can also limit the number of Chinese students studying in the US."

If only.

rob53 13 Years · 3313 comments

allmypeople said:

lol. Everyone needs to just relax with this stuff.

Can't remember who said it but "The media takes Trump literally but not seriously. His voters take him seriously but not literally."

Just let the guy try and get better deals for the country. If he fails, he'll be out. If he wins even some minor concessions, it could be good for everyone.

The media hysteria over Trump stuff is just insane.

It's not media hysteria, it's who Trump is that bothers a majority of Americans. The media didn't make up the things Trump said or did. Trump's business plan is to build things then refuse to pay the people and companies he used. This is fact, not fiction. The fact that so many people voted for a person like this is what sane Americans and the rest of the world is worried about. I'm glad China has drawn the first line in the sand (actually the second after Mexico said they aren't paying for any stupid wall). Trump simply wants to Make America WHITE Again and all those voters in the bible belt and rust belt want that as well, which is why they voted for him. The US is not a "white" country, it's a blend of every ethnicity and nationality from around the world. That's what makes America Great, not a bunch of old white men pushing their ethnic cleansing agenda.

His voters DO take him seriously and literally and that's what scare so many people. Trump will have access to the that big button, do you really think he has the temperament to use that power wisely? His own history has shown he doesn't. Just so all you Trumpsters and non Americans understand things, the US is owned by foreign countries, which puts us in a bad predicament, one that could bankrupt this country at any moment. Wanting Trump to get better "deals" for this country means he will sell out the people who voted for him because those people only cost him money. The President isn't supposed to be the CEO of the country, they're supposed to be the guiding force for truth and justice for all Americans, not just the businesses. Republicans have never cared about the 99%, except during elections.