China Accuses US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat
The former US president’s latest warning to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.
A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.
On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.
He also threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.
His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.
His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.
Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.
This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.
China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.
Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.
The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.
“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.
“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”
Last week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.
The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.
Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.
It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.
