🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest threat to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.