Since the inception of Donald Trump’s tariffs, they have been met with disapproval from the countries impacted. Recently, China has responded to the latest tariffs with a stern warning.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has criticized Trump and his administration, accusing them of ‘hypocrisy’.
This reaction follows Trump’s escalation of tensions with Beijing by threatening a new series of tariffs on Chinese products.
He also mentioned potential new export restrictions on ‘any and all critical software’ for China, which the Ministry labeled as ‘a typical example of double standards’.
The threat from Trump included a 100 percent tariff on imports from China, coupled with export controls set to begin on November 1.
Moreover, the President hinted at possibly canceling a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
The new export controls are to be implemented on November 1, two days after the proposed meeting.
Trump explained to the Financial Times that the timing was intentional: “We’re gonna have to see what happens. That’s why I made it November 1.
“I haven’t cancelled, but I don’t know that we’re gonna have it. But I’m gonna be there regardless, so I would assume we might have it.”
China has vowed to take ‘resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.’
They also announced potential ‘countermeasures’, which may include special port fees on ships constructed and operated by the US.
The Ministry described this as ‘defensive action’, in response to Washington’s introduction of port charges that Beijing claims have significantly affected their interests.
In an official statement, they accused the US of ‘ratcheting up economic measures’ against Beijing since September.
China is taking these threats seriously and has advised Trump against making threats ‘at every turn’.
“China’s position on the trade war is consistent: we do not want it, but we are not afraid of it,” the ministry added.
Previously, Trump accused China of profiting from the trade of fentanyl, with this issue being a significant focus for him.
The US has imposed an additional 30 percent in tariffs since Trump began his second term, whereas Beijing has imposed an extra 10 percent on US goods.
A key issue in the conflict is rare earth minerals, essential components for smartphones and electric vehicles.
These minerals are critical for renewable energy technology and military hardware, with China dominating global production.
Last week, alarm bells rang for the US as China imposed restrictions on these rare materials.
These restrictions affected the export of technology necessary for mining and refining rare earth minerals.
Trump accused Beijing of being ‘very hostile’ with these new restrictions, arguing on Truth Social that they ‘should not be allowed to hold the world captive’ by controlling access to these essential materials.
The Ministry urges Trump to reconsider his new tariff threat, and it remains unclear whether the meeting with Jinping will proceed.