China hits back at US over new tariff threat

International

CHINA has accused the United States of hypocrisy following President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports, calling the move a “typical example of double standards.”

In a statement released Sunday, China’s Ministry of Commerce warned that Beijing is prepared to introduce its own countermeasures if Washington proceeds with the tariff hike.

In a report by BBC, the ministry emphasized that China is “not afraid” of a trade war and that the U.S. approach undermines fair global trade practices.

Trump’s remarks came after China announced tighter export rules for rare earth elements — critical materials used in electronics, renewable energy, and defense technologies.

The U.S. president accused Beijing of becoming “very hostile” and attempting to “hold the world captive,” further heightening tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Financial markets reacted sharply to Trump’s statements, with the S&P 500 index tumbling 2.7% on Friday, its steepest decline in months. Economists have warned that the escalating rhetoric could reignite a trade war that had shown signs of easing earlier this year.

Beijing dismissed Washington’s complaints as unfounded, saying that the United States has “long overstretched the concept of national security” and “abused export control measures” against Chinese industries.

The commerce ministry described China’s export controls on rare earths as a legitimate move to protect national security and global supply stability.

The ministry reiterated that while China seeks peaceful and cooperative trade relations, it will not hesitate to defend its economic interests. It also urged Washington to abandon its reliance on threats and unilateral measures.

The renewed dispute comes months after both countries agreed to scale back triple-digit tariffs that had disrupted trade and strained global supply chains.

Trump’s latest comments have cast doubt on that fragile truce, with investors and industry leaders expressing concern over renewed instability.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)