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

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.