🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.