Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.