🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.