China Accuses United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat
The former US president’s newest threat to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.
A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.
On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.
Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.
The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.
His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.
Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.
As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.
The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.
They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.
The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.
“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.
“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”
Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.
This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.
Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.
It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.
