China has accused the U.S. of «double standards» after President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said such actions could prompt «countermeasures,» adding that China «is not afraid» of a potential trade conflict, according to the BBC.
The comments followed Trump’s remarks on Friday, when he criticized China’s tightened export controls on rare earth materials, accusing Beijing of «hostile» behavior and suggesting he might cancel an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
However, Trump later sought to ease tensions, saying on social media that the U.S. «wants to help China, not hurt it.»
The exchange reignited concerns of a renewed trade war between the world’s two largest economies. After the announcements, Chinese stock indexes declined, reflecting investor fears about escalating tensions and potential economic fallout.
China claims that its rare-earth export restrictions are necessary for national security and accuses Washington of misusing export controls and engaging in discriminatory practices.
