China Accuses US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.