China Accuses U.S. of ‘Double Standards’ Over New Tariff Threat

China has accused the United States of applying “typical double standards” after Washington announced plans to impose a new 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods, escalating tensions in the already strained trade relationship between the two world powers.

The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, said the move set to take effect on November 1 is aimed at countering what it described as China’s “extraordinarily aggressive” export curbs on rare earth minerals, which are vital for manufacturing electronics, defense equipment, and renewable energy technologies.

In a statement released on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the proposed tariffs, describing them as “economic coercion” and warning that Beijing “will take resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests” if Washington proceeds.

“This is a typical example of double standards,” the ministry said. “While the United States cites national security and fair competition to justify its trade restrictions, it criticizes China for implementing legitimate export controls that comply with international norms.”

Beijing defended its rare earth export curbs as “reasonable and necessary” for safeguarding national security and ensuring the sustainable use of strategic resources. Officials accused Washington of politicizing trade issues and using economic tools as instruments of pressure.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also cautioned the U.S. to “correct its wrong practices,” adding that China “does not want to fight, but is not afraid to fight.”

The U.S. has repeatedly accused China of unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and market manipulation. However, Beijing insists that Washington’s recent actions including export controls, sanctions on Chinese technology firms, and now steep tariffs reflect protectionist motives rather than genuine concerns over security or fairness.

Analysts warn that the latest move could deepen global economic uncertainty and disrupt supply chains dependent on Chinese raw materials. The escalating dispute also threatens to overshadow planned high-level talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump later this year.