Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.