Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, 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.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.