In a bold move signaling intensifying economic tensions, China launched a comprehensive series of retaliatory actions against the United States on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The Chinese government's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) announced an antitrust investigation into Google, moments after President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. This strategic countermove demonstrates Beijing's commitment to defending its economic interests and challenging US technological dominance. The investigation alleges that Google is "suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China," though specific details remain undisclosed, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape between the world's two largest economies.

Alongside the Google investigation, China implemented a multi-pronged approach of economic countermeasures designed to exert pressure on the United States. The Chinese government introduced targeted tariffs on various US products, including a 15% levy on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural equipment, and large-displacement vehicles. Additionally, Beijing expanded export controls on critical minerals such as tungsten, indium, molybdenum, tellurium, and ruthenium. The commerce ministry also strategically added two prominent US firms—PVH Group (owner of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein) and Illumina Inc.—to its "unreliable entity list," subjecting these companies to potential restrictions and penalties that could significantly impact their operations in the Chinese market.

The historical context of US-China trade relations provides crucial background to these latest developments. This is not the first instance of escalating tensions, with both nations previously engaging in a prolonged trade war since 2018 characterized by reciprocal tariff impositions. Google's relationship with China has been particularly complex, with the company having pulled its Chinese-language search engine from the mainland in 2011 and subsequently facing complete blockage of its services under China's "Great Firewall." The current investigation appears strategically timed, coming just minutes after Trump's tariff announcement, and reflects China's increasingly sophisticated approach to economic retaliation. Analysts suggest that Beijing is carefully calibrating its response to maximize impact while minimizing potential risks to its own economic stability.

The Chinese government's official stance emphasizes protecting national interests and maintaining fair market competition. The finance ministry strongly criticized the US tariffs, asserting that they "severely violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules" and disrupt normal economic cooperation. Economists like Gary Ng from Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking note that China is strategically increasing its "bargaining chips" while being mindful of its fragile, trade-dependent economic ecosystem. President Trump has hinted at potentially implementing even steeper tariffs if Beijing does not comply with US demands, suggesting that this latest round of economic confrontation might be far from its conclusion. The intricate dance of economic diplomacy continues, with both nations demonstrating their willingness to employ sophisticated economic tools in pursuit of their respective national interests.