China said on Sunday it would not back down in the face of the US president's threat. Donald Trump to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports starting November 1. Beijing is calling on Washington to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Beijing denounces the policy of threat
In a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, officials reiterated that their position remained unchanged: China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one. This reaction comes two days after Donald Trump announced his intention to sharply increase tariffs on Chinese products in response to new restrictions imposed by Beijing on exports of rare earths, metals essential for the global technology and military industries.
This escalation risks jeopardizing the planned meeting between Trump and the Chinese president. Xi Jinping and to end the tariff truce agreed after a series of economic clashes last spring, when tariffs in both countries briefly exceeded 100%.
A relaunched trade war over rare earths
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce denounced the US approach, saying that constantly resorting to the threat of high tariffs was not an appropriate way to deal with China. Beijing says it favors dialogue, but warns that if the US persists, it will take firm measures to defend its legitimate interests.
Tensions center on rare earths, which are essential for the manufacture of fighter jets, radars, electric vehicles, and electronic devices. China accounts for nearly 70% of global production and controls about 90% of the processing of these strategic metals. Beijing recently introduced a special permit system for foreign companies wishing to export products containing even small amounts of rare earths of Chinese origin.
The ministry clarified that export licenses would be granted for legitimate civilian uses, while acknowledging that these minerals also have military applications. China also criticizes the United States for expanding trade restrictions against several Chinese companies and imposing new port fees on Chinese ships. In retaliation, Beijing announced Friday that it would impose similar taxes on American ships.
