Beijing Slams America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.