🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.