Beijing Slams US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.