🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.