🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

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

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.