🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.