China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.