Beijing Slams United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.