China Accuses America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Tariff Threat

Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.