🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.