🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.