🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

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

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.