🔗 Share this article

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

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.