Trump threatens China to impose 50% tariff if it supplies weapons to Iran

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President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea. (AP Photo/ File)US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened China of imposing a “staggering” 50% tariff if Beijing provides weapons or military assistance to Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.During an interview with Fox News, Trump was asked by the anchor whether his earlier warning of levying 50% tariff on countries helping Iran was targeting China. “Yes, China and potentially others. But specifically, yes, China is included,” the US president responded. “I hear news reports about China giving the shoulder missiles. I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t do that, but maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don’t think they would anymore. But if we catch them doing that… pic.twitter.com/JC0D36fp9O— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) April 12, 2026Trump further said, “I hear news reports about China giving the shoulder missiles. I doubt they would do that because I have a relationship and I think they wouldn’t do that, but maybe they did a little bit at the beginning, but I don’t think they would anymore. But if we catch them doing that they get a 50% tariff.”Also Read | Iran’s IRGC warns ‘enemies’ of ‘deadly vortex’ after Trump orders Strait of Hormuz blockadeDetailing about the negotiations with Iran, Trump said Tehran would return to the negotiation table while warning that he could take out Iran in “in one day.”“I predict they come back and they give us everything we want,” Trump told anchor Maria Bartiromo on Fox News. He added, “I want everything…They have no cards.”The Republican leader also defended his statement which he gave last week that a “whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” and said he was “fine with it” and that it this threat which brought Tehran to negotiating table.“When I say about a civilization. It really has changed. It really has. But think of it. They’re allowed to say, ‘Death to America. Death to this,’” Trump said.“And I make one statement. They say, Oh, such a big deal. That statement got them to the bargaining table and they haven’t left it,” he added.Story continues below this adThis comes after talks between US and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad failed to reach an agreement and concluded on Sunday, jeopardising the two-week ceasefire which ends on April 22.The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:donald trumpUS Iran tensions