'If China doesn't…': Trump threatens Beijing with 84% tariffs; defends trade war as 'tough but fair'

US President Donald Trump defended his trade war strategy amid global market turmoil, insisting the American economy remains strong and inflation-free. After markets plummeted, Trump dismissed the panic and revealed ongoing trade talks, including with Japan. He then announced a shocking 50% additional tariff on all Chinese imports, raising total duties to 84%, and gave Beijing 24 hours to reverse its retaliation.