The notice, leaked and published by the China Digital Times, which monitors media censorship in China, states the tariffs are meant to split “apart different domestic groups in US.”
“We stop negotiation for now, acting tit for tat, roll out corresponding policies, hold public opinion at a good level without escalating it, limit scope, and strike accurately and carefully, splitting apart different domestic groups in US,” the propaganda notice reads.
“The trade conflict is really a war against China’s rise, to see who has the greater stamina,” the document continues. "This is absolutely no time for irresolution or reticence.”
The document also directs media to not report on comments from Trump or other officials, adding that outlets shouldn’t “attack Trump’s vulgarity; don’t make this a war of insults.”
Experts have warned that the Chinese tariffs could be used to specifically target Trump supporters, particularly with tariffs on goods like soybeans and sorghum. The crops are produced largely in areas that backed Trump in the 2016 election.
The U.S. will hit China with $34 billion worth of tariffs on goods on July 6. China has promised to strike back with retaliatory tariffs, totaling the same amount, with some targeting agricultural goods.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters Tuesday that China is “fully prepared” for a trade war with the U.S., according to The Associated Press.
