China Responds To Trump Threats Apply 100 Percent Tariff

JAKARTA - China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to the threat of US President Donald Trump who said he would impose a new tariff of 100 percent on Chinese goods and limit exports of "important software".

"Let me stress China firmly reject recent US restrictions and sanctions against China, and will do whatever is necessary to protect its legitimate rights and interests," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference in Beijing, Monday, October 13.

US-China tensions resurfaced after China on Thursday (9/10) announced restrictions on exports of rare earth elements that expand control over processing and manufacturing technologies. The policy also prohibits cooperation with foreign companies without government permits first.

In response, on Friday (10/10), United States President Donald Trump called China "very hostile" and made the US and the rest of the world "hostile" through a sudden export tightening policy.

So Trump said the US would start imposing a 100 percent tariff on goods from China on November 1, 2025, or sooner, depending on what China is doing next.

"Threatening high rates is not the right way to deal with China. The US must improve its approach and act based on the mutual understanding reached by the two presidents in their phone calls," said Lin Jian.

Lin Jian said the two countries can and must overcome each other's concerns through dialogue and manage differences based on equality, respect, and mutual benefits in keeping bilateral relations stable, healthy, and sustainable.

"If the US continues to refuse to change course, China will be determined to take firm action to protect its legitimate rights and interests independently," said Lin Jian.

China's Ministry of Trade stated that export restrictions on soil elements are rarely carried out to maintain national security and interests, including export controls on mining technology, consolidation, separation, production of magnetic materials, and recycling of secondary resources.

On those restrictions, Trump also said he could cancel a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month by taking advantage of APEC's summit.

However, Trump's stance became softer after the major US stock index fell sharply on Friday due to fears of a resurgence of the trade war.

On Sunday (12/10), Trump wrote on social media so that the public would not worry too much about China.

Trump called Xi "just having a difficult time. He doesn't want economic depression for his country, and neither do I. The US wants to help China, not hurt it."