Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

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

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.