🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.