China Accuses US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.