Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.