China Accuses America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

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

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.