China Accuses United States of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Tariff Threat
The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.
A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.
Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.
He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.
The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.
The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.
In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.
Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.
China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.
They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.
The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.
“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.
“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”
The previous week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.
This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.
New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.
Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.