Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Double Standards’ Over Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

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

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.