Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.