Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum
Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.
A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.
On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.
Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.
His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.
The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.
In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.
As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.
China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.
They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.
Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.
“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.
“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”
Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.
The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.
The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.
Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.
