China has accused Washington of “double standards” on Sunday after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 100% US tariffs on imports from the world’s second largest economy.
“The relevant US statement is a typical example of ‘double standards’,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. “Should the US persist in its course, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” the statement read.
This comes in response to Trump threatening a new 100% tariff on Chinese goods and export controls on all critical software, starting November 1, in addition to existing 30% tariffs.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, said that he had learnt that China had taken an “extraordinarily aggressive position on trade in sending an extremely hostile letter to the world.”
It came a day after Beijing introduced new export limits on rare earth minerals. China is the world’s largest supplier of these materials, which are crucial for tech production.
The new US tariffs threaten to restart a trade war first launched earlier this year. Shortly after Trump took office both nations started exchanging exponentially high tariffs which were eventually paused after several rounds of negotiations.
China defends rare earth control measures
Beijing justified its position on restricting exports, saying China’s measures are necessary given the military applications of medium and heavy rare earth metals amid the “current turbulent global situation and frequent military conflicts.”
China has long used rare earths — the minerals essential for electronic, automotive and defense systems — as strategic leverage against the US.
Beijing added that it had notified relevant countries and regions before the announcement of the measures.
The Commerce Ministry’s statement assured global tech companies and stakeholders that the export measures will have “extremely limited impact” on production and supply chains.
China said it is willing to strengthen dialogue and exchanges on export controls to safeguard supply chains further.
Speaking of its ties with the US, Beijing accused Washington of continuously adding new restrictions against China since the trade talks in Madrid.
It said China’s position on tariff wars has been consistent.
“We do not want to fight, but we are not afraid to fight,” the Ministry of Commerce said.
Edited by: Rana Taha
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