🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.