China Accuses America of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Tariff Threat

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

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

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.