China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

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

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

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

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.