China has accused the United States of hypocrisy after Donald Trump threatened to double tariffs on Chinese imports. Beijing described the move as “a classic case of American double standards” and warned it could retaliate if Washington follows through. A commerce ministry spokesperson said China “does not seek a trade war but will not shy away from one.”
Trump intensifies confrontation with Beijing
Trump responded angrily to China’s tighter export controls on rare earth materials. He accused Beijing of acting “hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive.” The former U.S. president even threatened to cancel a planned meeting with President Xi Jinping later this month. Days later, however, his tone shifted. On Sunday, Trump wrote online: “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” He called Xi “highly respected” and said both countries wanted to prevent an economic depression. Trump insisted that the United States aimed to help, not hurt, China.
Markets shaken by tariff talk
Trump’s latest comments sent immediate shockwaves through global markets. On Friday, the S&P 500 index dropped 2.7%, its biggest fall since April. Asian markets quickly followed. On Monday, the Shenzhen Component Index in China fell more than 2.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost around 3.5%. Investors feared the return of a damaging trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
Recent trade truce on shaky ground
Earlier this year, Washington and Beijing agreed to lift triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products. The deal had raised hopes of a pause in hostilities. At that time, U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports had risen 30% since January, while China imposed a 10% levy on American goods. Trump’s renewed threats now risk unraveling that fragile agreement.
Beijing rejects US claims and defends its policy
China’s commerce ministry issued a sharp statement accusing Washington of abusing export control measures and discriminating against Chinese firms. Officials defended the new rare earth export rules as “normal measures” to protect national and global security. “Using tariff threats is not a constructive way to talk,” the spokesperson said. “Our position remains firm: we prefer cooperation, but we will respond if provoked.”
China tightens grip on critical materials
Beijing recently moved to restrict exports of rare earths and other essential materials for advanced manufacturing. China currently processes nearly 90% of global rare earth supplies, which are vital for smartphones, solar panels, and electric vehicles. Analysts see the step as a strategic signal of strength before renewed trade talks.
Planned Trump-Xi meeting in doubt
The latest exchange of accusations between Washington and Beijing appears to be an effort to gain leverage ahead of future negotiations. However, uncertainty surrounds the planned meeting between Trump and Xi at a summit in South Korea later this month. Both governments seem ready for tough bargaining that could again reshape the global trade landscape.
