🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.