Beijing Slams United States of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.