🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.