China has accused the United States of applying ‘textbook double standards’ after Washington threatened new tariffs and tightened export restrictions targeting Chinese industries.
In a statement, Beijing said the US has been overstretching the concept of national security and abusing export control to suppress Chinese companies.
It cited repeated US actions against semiconductor equipment, chips, and other key products, calling them discriminatory and harmful to global trade.
“The US remarks reflect textbook double standards,” the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.
“For a long time, the US has imposed unilateral long-arm jurisdiction measures that have seriously harmed the legitimate rights and interests of companies and disrupted the international economic and trade order.”
China pointed out that the US Commerce Control List covers more than 3,000 items, compared to China’s 900-item export control list.
It also criticized Washington’s use of the ‘de minimis’ rule, which allows control over products containing even minimal US-made components.
Beijing accused the US of escalating economic pressure following recent trade talks in Madrid.
In the last 20 days alone, the US has added several Chinese firms to the Entity List and Specially Designated Nationals List, and expanded the Affiliates Rule, which affects thousands of companies.
The statement also condemned US measures under Section 301, targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, saying such moves ignore China’s concerns and goodwill.
“These actions have undermined the atmosphere of bilateral talks and gravely affected global supply chain stability,” China said, vowing firm opposition to the measures.
Beijing urged Washington to correct its wrong practices, honor agreements reached during recent presidential phone calls, and manage differences through “dialogue and mutual respect.”
“Willful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China,” the statement added.
“We do not want a trade war, but we are not afraid of it.”
China warned that if the US continues its current approach, it will take resolute measures to safeguard its legitimate interests.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump declared that his administration would introduce an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese imports starting next month.
He also announced upcoming export restrictions on key American software, saying the move aims to protect national interests amid what he described as “hostile” actions by China.
The announcement came days after Beijing imposed new rules tightening exports of rare earth minerals, a crucial resource in the production of vehicles, smartphones, and defence technology. In response, Trump accused China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive.”
He further suggested that his expected meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be in doubt.