Beijing Slams America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

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