Beijing Slams US of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum
The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.
A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.
Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.
Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul later this month.
His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.
His comments revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.
In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.
As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.
The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.
The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.
The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.
“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.
“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”
The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.
This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.
New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.
Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.