China Accuses US of Double Standards in Trade Policy Amid New Tariffs

China Criticizes US for "Double Standards" Over New Tariffs BEIJING, CHINA - OCTOBER 12, 2025 - China's Ministry of Commerce has accused the United States of applying "double standards" in its trade policies, following US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs on Chinese imports. According to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Washington's actions are a "typical example of 'double standards'." The statement added that if the US persists with its course, China will take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. This development comes after Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese goods and export controls on critical software, effective November 1. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that he had learned of China's "extraordinarily aggressive position on trade" through an "extremely hostile letter." The US has already imposed 30 tariffs on Chinese imports, and the new measures are seen as an escalation in the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. The move is also being viewed in the context of China's recent decision to impose export curbs on its rare-earth supplies. China's criticism of the US for double standards highlights the complexities of global trade policies and the challenges of navigating international relations. As AI-driven technologies continue to shape global commerce, countries are faced with increasingly complex decisions regarding tariffs, trade agreements, and economic cooperation. Experts say that the current tensions between China and the US reflect a broader trend of rising protectionism and nationalism in global politics. "The use of tariffs as a tool for trade policy has become more prevalent in recent years," said Dr. Emily Chen, an economist at the University of California, Berkeley. "This shift reflects a growing concern among countries to protect their domestic industries and jobs." As the situation continues to unfold, markets are closely watching developments in Washington and Beijing. The implications of these tensions extend beyond trade policies, with potential impacts on global economic stability and international relations. In response to China's criticism, US officials have maintained that their actions are necessary to address unfair trade practices by China. However, experts warn that the escalating tensions could lead to a broader conflict between the two nations. The current status of the situation is fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. As the world waits for further developments, one thing is clear: the ongoing trade tensions between China and the US have significant implications for global commerce and international relations. Background: The trade tensions between China and the US have been escalating over the past year, with both sides imposing tariffs on each other's goods. The latest development marks a new escalation in the conflict, with China accusing the US of applying "double standards" in its trade policies. Additional perspectives: Dr. Chen notes that the use of tariffs as a tool for trade policy has become more prevalent in recent years, reflecting a growing concern among countries to protect their domestic industries and jobs. Analysts warn that the escalating tensions could lead to a broader conflict between China and the US, with potential impacts on global economic stability and international relations. Next developments: The situation is expected to continue unfolding over the coming weeks, with both sides continuing to engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. Markets are closely watching developments in Washington and Beijing, as the implications of these tensions extend beyond trade policies. *Reporting by Dw.*