🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.