Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

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

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.