WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump sought to calm fears of a spiraling trade conflict with China on Sunday, just hours after threatening to impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports in retaliation for Beijing’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals.
The proposed tariffs would mark a massive escalation — nearly doubling the current average 55% levy — and signal growing strain between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump Says “U.S. Wants to Help China, Not Hurt It”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump downplayed concerns of an economic standoff, saying he wanted to “help China, not hurt it.”
“Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” Trump wrote. “Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!”
The statement came shortly after Beijing issued a stern warning, urging Washington to avoid “threats” and pledging to “resolutely take corresponding measures” if the U.S. followed through with its tariff plan.
China Warns of Retaliation
In a statement released Sunday, China’s Commerce Ministry reiterated its opposition to a tariff war but said it would not hesitate to defend its interests.
“China’s stance is consistent. We do not want a tariff war, but we are not afraid of one,” the ministry said.
Officials in Beijing called for renewed dialogue and dismissed repeated U.S. tariff threats as “not the correct way to get along with China.” The ministry added that it would continue to issue export licenses for legitimate civilian uses of rare earths but warned that further escalation would force retaliation.
Trade Truce in Jeopardy
The latest back-and-forth marks a potential breakdown in the fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing. Trump’s threat came after China restricted exports of rare earth elements, which are essential to the production of advanced electronics, renewable energy technology, and U.S. defense systems.
China currently controls about 70% of global rare earth mining and nearly 90% of processing, giving it a dominant position in a market critical to modern manufacturing and military capability.
Vance Defends Trump’s “Strong” Response
Vice President J.D. Vance defended Trump’s move during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
“Beijing’s dominance in key supply chains is the definition of a national emergency,” Vance said. “If they respond aggressively, I guarantee you the President of the United States has far more cards than the People’s Republic of China.”
Vance called the issue a matter of national security, saying America could not afford to rely on China for materials vital to its defense and technology industries.
Future Talks in Doubt
Trump’s tariff threat and China’s warning have cast uncertainty over a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year. Analysts say both sides have much to lose if tensions continue to rise.
While Trump insists he is open to dialogue, Sunday’s developments suggest that U.S.-China economic relations could be heading toward another turbulent chapter — one with major implications for global trade, technology, and geopolitical stability.
