🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.