🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.