🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.