🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.