Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.