Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Tariff Threat

The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.