President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Chinese products if China is caught supplying weapons to Iran, in a statement made on Sunday (13) to the broadcaster Fox Newsafter the .
“I hear news about China giving Iran shoulder missiles, so-called anti-aircraft missiles. I doubt they’ll do that, but if we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which is a staggering amount,” Trump said. Asked directly whether the previous threat to tax countries that arm Iran also applied to China, the president was clear: “Yes. And other people. But yes, China too.”
The statement comes on the same day as , after talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement over the weekend. The Iranian nuclear program was highlighted by Trump as the main obstacle to understanding.
The reports that prompted the threat involve the possible delivery of air defense systems to Iran, possibly routed through third countries to avoid detection. According to ReutersIran is close to reaching a deal with China to obtain supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, and that Iranian entities reportedly received chipmaking equipment from Chinese manufacturer SMIC in March.
Trump simultaneously softened his tone by saying he “doubts” Beijing would take such action, citing his personal relationship with the country. “Maybe they did a little at the beginning,” he said, but said he didn’t believe China would continue. The president took the opportunity to launch an alternative proposal to Beijing: buy American oil instead of Iranian oil.
The tariff threat, however, faces legal obstacles. In February, the U.S. Supreme Court limited presidential authority to impose broad tariffs via the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Alternative mechanisms, such as Sections 301 and 232 of the US tariff law, are still available, but require formal investigations before they come into force. To date, no tariffs have been formally enacted.
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China called for calm. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the US maritime blockade of Iran threatens global trade and urged both sides to “remain calm and act with restraint.”
(com Reuters)
