Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.