China Fires Back at Trump's Tariff Threat, Defends Rare Earth Export Controls

China Slams Trump's 100 Percent Tariff Threat, Defends Rare Earth Curbs BEIJING (Oct 12) - China has called United States President Donald Trump's new tariffs on Chinese goods "hypocritical" and defended its curbs on exports of rare earth elements and equipment, while stopping short of imposing additional duties on US imports. In a lengthy statement on Sunday, China's Ministry of Commerce said its export controls on rare earths, which Trump had labeled "surprising and very hostile," were introduced in response to a series of US measures since their trade talks held in Madrid, Spain, last month. The move is seen as a retaliatory measure by Beijing, which has been under pressure from Washington to open up its markets. "We are not afraid of the US's threats and will continue to take necessary measures to protect our national interests," said a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, who wished to remain anonymous. "The US should stop making baseless accusations against China and instead work with us to find a mutually beneficial solution." China's stance is consistent with its long-held position that it will not be bullied or coerced into concessions by the US. The country has been pushing back against what it sees as unfair trade practices, including Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. The rare earth curbs have sparked concerns among global manufacturers, who rely heavily on China for these critical materials used in everything from smartphones to wind turbines. However, experts say that Beijing's move is also a strategic one, aimed at reducing its dependence on the US market and promoting domestic industries. "China's export controls are not just about rare earths, but about asserting its economic sovereignty," said Dr. Li Mingjiang, an expert on China's foreign policy at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. "By limiting exports of these critical materials, Beijing is sending a message to the US that it will no longer be taken advantage of." The trade tensions between the two nations have been escalating over the past year, with Trump imposing tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods and China retaliating with its own duties on US imports. The latest development has raised concerns about the impact on global supply chains and economic growth. As the situation continues to unfold, analysts say that both sides will need to find a way to compromise if they are to avoid further escalation. "The ball is in Trump's court now," said Dr. Li. "If he can show some flexibility and willingness to negotiate, we might see a breakthrough." In the meantime, China has signaled its commitment to defending its national interests and promoting domestic industries. As one Chinese official put it, "We will not be intimidated by US threats or pressure. We will continue to stand up for our rights and interests." *Reporting by Aljazeera.*