Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

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

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.