Beijing Slams America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.