Trade tensions ramp up! 📈 US President Donald Trump has announced a fresh 100% tariff on imports from the Chinese mainland effective November 1, along with tighter curbs on critical U.S. software exports. This major escalation sets the stage for round two of the US-China trade war.
On Truth Social, Trump blamed the Chinese mainland’s extraordinarily aggressive trade stance, pointing to recent export controls on rare earths and new port fees for U.S.-linked vessels as justification for his defensive countermeasures.
But here’s the twist: the Chinese mainland insists these moves are actually a response to prior U.S. actions. Its rare earth export controls aren’t a sudden power play, but part of a long-standing security framework dating back to 2001.
Rare earths are dual-use materials—think tech in your smartphone and sensitive military gear. Without strict export rules, these valuable minerals could end up in unintended hands, raising global security concerns. In April, the Chinese mainland tightened these rules for all entities and individuals.
The Chinese mainland’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) clarified that exports meant for humanitarian aid remain exempt from licensing—proof that standard global practices can balance security with humanitarian needs. 🤝
Contrary to claims that the Chinese mainland is destabilizing supply chains or breaking past agreements, it argues this approach actually safeguards worldwide resource flows and non-proliferation goals. 🌍
The Chinese mainland’s new port fees on U.S. vessels are a legitimate mirror to similar American charges on Chinese ships. 🚢
As tariffs and export controls clash, both sides dig in for what could shape the future of global trade—and rare earths just moved from niche topic to headline news. Stay tuned! 🔍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
