Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Tariff Threat
Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.
A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.
This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.
Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.
The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.
His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.
In May, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.
Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.
The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.
Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.
The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.
“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.
“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”
The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.
This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.
Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.
Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.