China has accused the United States of applying “double standards” after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1.
China Reacts to Trump’s Tariff Warning
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said in an online statement,
“The relevant US statement is a typical example of double standards.”
The sharp response came after President Trump on Friday announced plans for additional tariffs in response to what he called “extraordinarily aggressive” Chinese export restrictions on rare-earth minerals.
Beijing Defends Export Curbs
Beijing defended its export control measures as legitimate and necessary, saying they were aimed at ensuring the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
The ministry added that China is willing to “strengthen dialogue and exchanges on export controls with all countries” to promote fair and stable trade practices.
Trump, meanwhile, hinted that he might cancel his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, further straining already tense relations between the two nations.
‘Threatening Tariffs at Every Turn’
Beijing accused Washington of intensifying economic pressure since September.
“These actions have severely harmed China’s interests and undermined the atmosphere of economic and trade talks between the two sides,” the ministry said.
It further warned,
“Threatening high tariffs at every turn is not the right approach to engaging with China.”
China Urges US to Change Course
China urged the Trump administration to “correct its wrong practices”, stating that it does not seek a trade war but will “not hesitate to respond” if provoked.
The ministry emphasized,
“China’s position is consistent: we do not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of it.”
“If the US insists on going the wrong way, China will take resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests,” the statement concluded.
