China Accuses US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

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

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.