Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.