Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.

Deanna Duncan
Deanna Duncan

Alex Harper is a journalist and urban enthusiast with a passion for uncovering the stories behind city landscapes.