China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.