China Accuses United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.