Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.