China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Tariff Threat
Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.
A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.
Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.
Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.
Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.
His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.
In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.
Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.
China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.
The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.
The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.
“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.
“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”
The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.
The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.
The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.
Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.