A front page People's Daily article on June 1, noted that the Chinese government had from that day begun to raise tariffs on US goods worth about 60 billion U.S. dollars "as a counterattack against the U.S.’s move to raise the tariff of 200 billion U.S. dollars to China’s exports to the United States". It averred "This is a must!" It said "another “heavy” message has also spread throughout the world: China will establish a “list of unreliable entities” in accordance with relevant laws and regulations".

Foreign enterprises, organizations or individuals that fail to comply with market rules, deviate from the spirit of the contract, and impose a blockade or confiscation of Chinese enterprises for non-commercial purposes, which seriously damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, will be included in the list of “unreliable entities”. Justifying China's action, the article pointed out that at the 11 rounds of China-US high-level economic and trade consultations held so far, the consultation process has been frustrated because of the US's rebellion and extreme pressure. It said China talks about principles and keeps the bottom line, it is not humble and unyielding and calmly responds to rounds of offensives launched by the United States. It can stand up and stand firm. China has shown its greatest sincerity and seriously engaged in consultations. It warned that if the US continues with this policy it will only usher in "greater destruction." The People's Daily article claimed the US media had recently reported that the US trade policy has pushed American peasants to a "life-saving line" and that the market value of the US stock market has evaporated more than $1 trillion. It said American scholars studied trade conflicts in 151 countries (including 34 developed countries) between 1996 and 2014, and concluded that trade protectionism has a greater impact on developed countries.  It emphasised that "China is not the country they can despise". It asserted, in conclusion, that "People can't predict how far some US politicians will continue to go in the wrong direction, but it is clear that even if they have to "war", China has enough strength and strength, and has firm determination and will to accompany it".