China Accuses America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.