🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.