🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.