🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.