China has strongly pushed back after President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods, accusing Washington of hypocrisy and “double standards” in its trade rhetoric and actions.
The U.S. Proposal & China’s Reaction
Trump’s announcement, set to take effect on November 1, comes in response to China’s recent expansion of export controls on rare earth minerals, which the U.S. claims threatens supply of critical materials.
Beijing responded through its Commerce Ministry, dismissing the American move as an unfair escalation. In an official statement, the ministry said that the U.S. has for months ratcheted up economic pressure and that this new tariff threat is “a typical example of ‘double standards’.”
The ministry noted that the United States has already used measures like blacklisting Chinese firms and imposing port fees on vessels linked to China, which Beijing views as selective economic coercion.
China Defends Its Export Controls
China argues that its rare earth export restrictions are legitimate responses, especially given the military and technological sensitivity of those materials. The government has claimed these controls are not bans, but regulatory measures intended to manage dual-use technologies.
Beijing also reiterated that any trade restrictions by the U.S. must not undercut bilateral talks, warning that tariff threats damage confidence between the two nations.
The Stakes & What’s Next
- Retaliation risks: While China has not yet imposed counter-tariffs in this round, it has vowed to take “corresponding measures” if the U.S. moves forward.
- Trade and diplomatic fallout: The escalation threatens to destabilize the fragile detente the two powers had achieved in recent months, especially ahead of high-level meetings such as APEC.
- Market turbulence: Global markets, particularly in tech and clean-energy sectors reliant on rare earths, are closely watching the standoff.
- Credibility & signaling: For China, calling out U.S. “double standards” is a rhetorical defense, but Beijing must decide whether to match it with concrete economic or regulatory action. For the U.S., following through (or climbing back) could affect its international reputation on trade policy.
