🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.