Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.