Beijing Slams US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.