Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, 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 incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.