🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.