🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.