Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum
The former US president’s newest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.
A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.
On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.
Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.
His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.
His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.
Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.
Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a import levy.
China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.
They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.
Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.
“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.
“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”
The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.
This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.
Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.
It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.
