🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by 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 follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.