<h1>Tariff escalation prompts multinational responses as governments weigh countermeasures, negotiations, and market-stabilization measures.</h1> Escalating US tariffs and Chinese retaliation have prompted China to announce countermeasures and demand equitable dialogue, while mobilising state-run entities to stabilise financial markets. Regional actors are pursuing mitigation: Japan formed a task force and dispatched negotiators to Washington; India seeks a bilateral trade deal and exporter consultations; Malaysia opts for quiet multilateral diplomacy through ASEAN; Hong Kong emphasizes free-trade measures and closer mainland integration to blunt higher duties.