Trump Warns China of 50% Tariffs Over Potential Military Support to Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports if China provides military assistance to Iran, escalating tensions amid an already fragile geopolitical landscape.

Speaking on Sunday, Trump said the U.S. would respond decisively to any confirmed military support warning: “If we catch them doing that, there will be tariffs of 50%, a massive level, truly massive.”

The warning comes as global markets remain on edge following the war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which began in late February. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached earlier this month, its stability remains uncertain, with fears of renewed escalation continuing to shape diplomatic and economic calculations.

Trump is expected to visit Beijing next month for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting had previously been delayed due to the conflict, underscoring the critical timing of the renewed trade threats.

According to U.S. intelligence assessments cited by officials familiar with the matter, China may be preparing to deliver new air defense systems to Iran in the coming weeks. The reported arms include man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), which are designed to target low-flying aircraft.

Analysts note that such systems could pose a significant asymmetric threat to U.S. military operations, particularly if hostilities resume following the breakdown of the ceasefire.

China had earlier positioned itself as a diplomatic intermediary, helping broker the temporary truce between Washington and Tehran. However, these latest developments raise questions about Beijing’s dual role as both mediator and potential strategic supporter.

Trump also renewed his warning to Iran, stating that the United States could target the country’s energy infrastructure if a permanent resolution to the conflict is not reached. “I can eliminate everything related to their energy,” he said in a televised interview, signaling a willingness to escalate further if negotiations fail.

The threat of new tariffs on Chinese goods adds a trade dimension to an already complex geopolitical crisis, raising concerns about a broader economic fallout. global markets are now grappling with the possibility of simultaneous shocks, from disrupted energy supplies to renewed trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.