🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.