🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.