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China, Canada, and Mexico Respond to U.S. Tariff Increases
On February 2, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce strongly opposed the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10% tariff on imported goods from China. Beijing stated that Washington’s unilateral tariff hike seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and does not contribute to resolving bilateral issues, including fentanyl. China also affirmed that it would take appropriate countermeasures to protect its national interests.
Beijing’s Response
In a separate statement, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the U.S. tariff decision, emphasizing that “no one can win a trade war.” Beijing stated that it would take proportional retaliatory measures in response to the new tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Not only China but also Canada and Mexico have issued strong retaliatory measures. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would impose a 25% tariff on $106 billion worth of American goods, following President Donald Trump’s similar tariff measures against Canada. The measures will be implemented in two phases: the first phase will impose a 25% tariff on $21 billion of U.S. goods starting February 4, while the second phase, three weeks later, will affect an additional $86 billion in imports. The initial targeted products include clothing, footwear, perfumes, beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, and fruit juices. Canada is also considering restricting mineral and energy exports to the U.S.
Mexico Joins the Fight
Mexican President Claudia Jarum stated that she had instructed her Minister of Economy to implement tariff and non-tariff measures to protect national interests. She emphasized that Mexico does not seek confrontation with its neighbors but instead prefers cooperation and dialogue. The Mexican government has repeatedly attempted to ease tensions with the U.S. while reaffirming its efforts to control illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
These retaliatory moves follow President Trump’s executive order imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods starting February 4. The order does not specify when these tariffs will be lifted and even includes provisions for further increases if affected nations retaliate. Trump stated that the objective of this policy is to pressure Canada and Mexico to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking—issues that have reportedly caused tens of millions of deaths in the U.S.
In addition to the 10% import tariff, the U.S. will also impose higher taxes on Canadian oil and natural gas, set to take effect in mid-February.
Military Tensions Escalate
In a related development, Belarusian Security Council Secretary Alexander Vfic declared that Russia’s deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has helped “correct a strategic mistake” made in the 1990s. He asserted that this move was necessary to deter potential aggression against Belarus.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan inherited large nuclear arsenals but decided to relinquish them by 1996. However, Belarus is now not only deploying Russian tactical nuclear weapons but also receiving Ornic hypersonic missile systems—described by President Vladimir Putin as having “no equal.”
Russia’s S-400 air defense system, long regarded as one of the world’s most advanced, is now facing serious challenges. In November 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a series of precision strikes on Russian S-400 air defense systems, destroying two units within a week. The November 29 attack in Sopore Grum left behind craters, debris, and damaged five military vehicles.
Previously, on November 23, a similar attack occurred in the Kursk region. On June 10, Ukraine’s General Staff claimed to have destroyed an S-400 division and two S-300 divisions in Crimea. These strikes have significantly weakened Moscow’s air defense network, highlighting Ukraine’s growing precision strike capabilities.
S-400: A System Under Scrutiny?
Russia’s S-400 air defense system, developed by Almaz-Antey, has long been considered one of the most advanced air defense systems globally. It is designed to counter multiple aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and hypersonic targets.
The S-400 system can track 300 targets simultaneously and guide six interceptor missiles at once. It employs various missile types with ranges from 120 km to 400 km and can be rapidly deployed on mobile platforms.
However, Ukraine’s recent strikes have raised questions about the S-400’s actual combat effectiveness. Its reliance on radar makes it vulnerable to electronic warfare and anti-radar missile attacks. Additionally, the system may struggle against highly maneuverable threats such as stealth aircraft or hypersonic missiles.
Despite these concerns, the S-400 remains a crucial component of Russia’s defense strategy. Countries like China, India, and Turkey have purchased the system despite U.S. sanctions. The system’s battlefield performance in Ukraine will likely determine its reputation and future sales.
Conclusion
The U.S. decision to impose additional tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico is heightening trade tensions, while retaliatory measures from affected countries could escalate into a full-scale trade war. Meanwhile, military developments in Eastern Europe remain tense as Ukraine intensifies attacks on Russia’s air defense systems, raising doubts about Moscow’s combat capabilities in the ongoing conflict.
