China Accuses US of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.