China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States 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 trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

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