As April 2 approaches, the date designated by President Donald Trump as the 'Day of Liberation' for the introduction of reciprocal tariffs against American trading partners, officials in Beijing express increasing anxiety regarding the potential escalation of the trade war with the United States.

Conflicting messages from Washington have left Chinese officials uncertain about the future direction of trade relations.

Trump has persistently criticized the substantial trade deficit between the two largest global economies and has threatened tariffs of up to 60% on all Chinese goods entering the U.S. Should these threats materialize, China could be a primary target of the new measures expected to be announced soon.

In recent days, however, Trump hinted at the possibility of reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, potentially as part of a broader agreement concerning the sale of the social media platform TikTok.

While on board Air Force One on Sunday, he reiterated his commitment to reach a deal regarding the platform before the imminent deadline, emphasizing a strong relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, despite the stringent restrictions his administration has placed on Chinese access to American technology and calls for tighter scrutiny of Chinese investments in the United States.

China faces not only Trump's unpredictable tactics in his second term but also a broader uncertainty that appears to be a strategic weapon in trade negotiations with various partners.

Financial markets are already reacting to the risks associated with the impending tariffs.

On Monday, Asian stock markets followed a decline in U.S. futures, with markets in Japan and South Korea—whose automotive manufacturers could be particularly affected by Trump’s recent announcements—experiencing some of the largest losses.

The outcomes of the U.S.-China trade relationship hold significant implications, not only for America and China but for the global economy.

One potential result is a de facto separation of the two economies, disrupting global supply chains and shaking both markets.

Another scenario could involve a redefinition of how the two powers coexist in the global economy.

Scott Kennedy, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, expressed concerns during a global business forum in Beijing, noting that the current talks and pressures may either lead to a withdrawal of threats and a return to a more stable relationship or escalate significantly, with tariffs soaring and investment drying up, which could progressively result in the separation of the two economies.

China's official stance remains clear amid this uncertainty.

A spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted earlier this month that the U.S. should return to a path of dialogue and cooperation promptly.

However, if the U.S. desires conflict, be it in tariffs, trade, or other arenas, China is prepared to respond firmly.

During what the U.S. described as an introductory meeting between U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last week, He expressed serious concerns over existing U.S. tariffs and the potential imposition of further tariffs on April 2, according to reports from Chinese state media.

A separate summary posted on state television's social media accounts clarified He’s remarks, indicating that if the U.S. insists on undermining Chinese interests, China will decisively retaliate.

He also stated that any changes in U.S. relations concerning China's trade status would not affect mutually beneficial cooperation with the rest of the world.

China has already responded to two rounds of additional 10% tariffs imposed by Trump on Chinese exports to the U.S., albeit with restrained measures, while simultaneously strengthening its arsenal of countermeasures.

Last week, Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed an order to enhance the country’s countermeasure law, allowing Beijing to respond against foreign nations that restrain or suppress China or discriminate against its entities and individuals.

Earlier this month, China used anti-discrimination measures from its foreign trade law for the first time to increase tariffs on Canadian imports.

At the end of the previous year, the government also reassessed its export controls for dual-use items and quickly tightened its regulations on the export of gallium, germanium, and antimony, critical materials with military applications.

Analysts note a shift in China’s approach, suggesting that it recognizes that the strategy employed during Trump’s first term might no longer be effective.

They argue that Beijing underestimated the U.S. resolve to engage in a trade war and lacked sufficient means for effective retaliation.

The retaliatory measures taken during Trump's first term largely consisted of imposing tariffs on a wide range of American imports until the two sides reached a Phase One trade agreement, which analysts contend China never fully implemented.

Peking has decided to adopt a more strategic approach this time, utilizing different tools to engage in high-level negotiations with Trump to prevent further escalation.

It is also leveraging the global uncertainty around Trump's 'America First' policy and trade approaches to present itself as a leader in the world economy, thereby gaining economic allies among U.S. trading partners and companies from Asia to Europe.

Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked to global business leaders in Beijing last week that separation and disruption of supply chains harm everyone and lead nowhere, stating that blocking paths for others will ultimately hinder one's own progress.

Data indicate that China has already diversified its imports and exports, reducing reliance on the U.S. since the onset of Trump’s trade offensive.

However, access to European and Asian markets will become increasingly vital if China faces new barriers on the U.S. market.

Trump has indicated that the reciprocal tariffs Washington plans to implement on April 2 will apply to 'all countries', not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the U.S. Following steel and aluminum tariffs, as well as the anticipated tariffs on automobiles, Trump intends to announce new tariffs that will hinge on the taxes imposed by affected countries on American products.