🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, 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 economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

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

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.