🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.