Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.