🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official said.

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

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.