China has responded firmly to the United States’ latest trade measures, urging Washington to halt threats of higher tariffs and emphasizing the need for continued negotiations to resolve outstanding trade disputes.
In a statement on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Commerce described its recent trade countermeasures targeting US interests as “necessary and defensive.” The ministry warned that Beijing would take corresponding actions to safeguard its rights if the US persists in imposing punitive measures.
The latest tensions follow President Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday of a 100% tariff on certain Chinese goods, alongside export controls on “any and all critical software,” set to take effect November 1. Trump also threatened to cancel an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, escalating the standoff.
China’s moves, including new port fees on US ships, an antitrust investigation into Qualcomm Inc., and sweeping export curbs on rare earths and other strategic materials, have further intensified the trade dispute. The Ministry of Commerce criticized the US approach, stating, “Threatening with high tariffs at every turn is not the right way to get along with China” and urged Washington to correct its practices as soon as possible.
Last week, China introduced broad export controls on rare earths and other critical materials, requiring overseas exporters of items containing even trace amounts of certain Chinese-sourced rare earths to obtain licenses. Equipment and technology for processing these materials and manufacturing magnets are also now subject to regulation. The ministry clarified that these measures are not a ban on exports and that applications meeting regulations will be approved. China added that it had previously notified relevant countries and regions through bilateral export control dialogues.
The ministry emphasized that the impact of these measures on industrial and supply chains has been fully assessed and is expected to be limited. China expressed willingness to strengthen dialogue and coordination with other nations to maintain the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
