🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

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

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.