President Trump’s decision to hike tariffs on Chinese imports from 10 percent to 20 percent took effect Tuesday, a move he justified in his congressional address as a strike against fentanyl flowing into America. He argued other nations have weaponized tariffs against the U.S. for decades, and his policy will make the nation “rich and great again.” Republicans see this as a long-overdue stand for American sovereignty.

China didn’t flinch. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian fired back late Tuesday, declaring, “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.” The Chinese Embassy in Washington echoed this on X, signaling Beijing’s refusal to bow to what it calls “intimidation” and “bullying.”

The tariffs aim to choke off fentanyl, a crisis Trump pins on foreign negligence. He told Congress this week that economic pressure will force accountability, even if it means “a little disturbance” for consumers. Conservatives applaud this as a gutsy move to protect American lives and jobs from China’s predatory trade practices.

Beijing retaliated with a 15 percent tariff on U.S. agricultural goods-soybeans, pork, wheat-starting next week. Lin Jian called it a defense of China’s “rights and interests,” dismissing Trump’s fentanyl claims as a “flimsy excuse.” He insisted the U.S. should negotiate as equals, not dictate terms, a stance conservatives view as typical Communist deflection.

This clash isn’t new. Trump’s first term saw tariffs cripple China’s exports, and now he’s doubling down. His Tuesday speech framed it as part of a broader renewal-tax cuts, border security, deregulation-while China’s response hints at a deeper resolve to challenge American dominance.

Lin Jian’s words weren’t empty. China’s National People’s Congress kicked off Wednesday, with Premier Li Qiang announcing a 7.2 percent defense spending hike for 2025-matching last year’s boost. This signals Beijing’s gearing up for confrontation, not just economically but militarily, as tensions simmer over Taiwan and beyond.

Conservatives see Trump’s tariffs as a masterstroke. They argue China’s been leaching off America for too long-stealing tech, flooding markets with cheap goods, and now fueling drug deaths. The 20 percent hike, they say, is a hammer to force Beijing to heel or face economic ruin.

China’s not backing off quietly. Li Qiang’s speech pushed a 5 percent growth target for 2025 despite trade headwinds, a sign of confidence-or desperation. Analysts note Beijing’s muted retaliation so far-15 percent versus Trump’s 20-suggests restraint, but the “fight till the end” rhetoric leaves room for escalation.

Republicans in Congress cheered Trump’s address, where he stood firm on tariffs as a tool to rebuild America. Posts on X from supporters hailed it as a wake-up call to China’s aggression. The heartland sees this as Trump keeping his promise-no more playing nice with a regime that’s exploited us.

This isn’t just about trade. It’s a test of wills-Trump’s America First versus China’s unyielding rise. Conservatives know the stakes: let Beijing win, and the U.S. loses more than markets-it loses power. Trump’s ready to fight, and his base demands he finish what he started.