“Threats of high tariffs not the way to get along”: China urges US to resolve differences through dialogue
China has strongly condemned the United States’ latest tariff threat, describing it as “willful intimidation and double standards,” following Washington’s announcement of plans to impose a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods and export controls on critical software starting November 1, reports 24brussels.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that “willful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China,” emphasizing that Beijing does not seek a trade war, but is “not afraid of it either.” China called on the United States to “correct its wrong practices” and resolve differences through constructive dialogue.
The ministry urged both nations to “properly manage differences through dialogues and on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed consultation,” to ensure sustainable development in the China-US economic and trade relationship. This response follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday regarding new trade measures against China, coinciding with Beijing’s tightening of export controls on rare earth materials, which are essential to various US industries.
“In response to China’s export control on rare earths and related items, the United States will impose a tariff of 100 per cent on China, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump stated on Truth Social. He accused China of adopting an “unprecedented and hostile” trade stance, alongside plans for “export controls on all critical software” starting November 1.
The Ministry of Commerce categorized China’s export control measures announced on October 9 as “normal actions” within the framework of national laws and regulations. The spokesperson reiterated that, as a responsible major country, China prioritizes national and international security while implementing such measures prudently.
The ministry criticized the US response as hypocritical, arguing that “the US remarks reflect typical double standards.” It highlighted a pattern of the United States overstretching the notion of national security and unilaterally imposing long-arm jurisdiction measures that affect thousands of Chinese entities.
Beijing also noted the escalation in restrictive measures from Washington since the China-US economic discussions in Madrid in September. In just 20 days, the US has added multiple Chinese firms to its Entity List, expanded control over affiliates, and continued Section 301 measures targeting China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors. The ministry asserted that these actions have severely harmed China’s interests and created an unfavorable atmosphere for bilateral economic talks, to which China remains resolutely opposed.