🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.