Esther Imonmion
China has accused the United States of “typical double standards” following President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods.
In a statement released on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Commerce warned that Beijing could introduce unspecified “countermeasures” if Washington carries out its threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.
Trump’s remarks came after Beijing announced tighter rules on rare earth exports—a move seen as significant given China’s control of about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are vital in manufacturing products such as smartphones and solar panels.
Responding on Friday, Trump accused China of “becoming very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.” He also threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month in South Korea.
However, in a social media post on Sunday, Trump appeared to soften his tone, writing: “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!”
Financial markets reacted sharply to Trump’s comments. On Friday, the S&P 500 closed down 2.7%—its steepest fall since April. On Monday, China’s Shenzhen Component Index fell more than 2.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped around 3.5%.
The renewed tensions have reignited fears of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies. In May, both sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods—a move that had briefly eased trade concerns. Currently, U.S. goods entering China face a 10% tariff, while Chinese goods entering the U.S. carry an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year.
In its statement, the Chinese commerce ministry accused Washington of “overstretching the concept of national security,” “abusing export control measures,” and “adopting discriminatory practices against China.” It defended China’s own export controls as “normal actions” to safeguard national and global security.
“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said. “China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”
It remains unclear whether the planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi will go ahead later this month.