US and China Trade Blame As Trade Tensions Rise

The US and China are blaming one another for rising tensions as trade controversies continue.

The Details: The Trump administration on Tuesday imposed fees on Chinese ships utilizing American ports. China’s Ministry of Finance also threatened fees on American ships docking in China. In an interview with the Financial Times (Center bias), US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Beijing of attempting to harm the global economy, saying, “They want to pull everybody else down with them.” China’s Commerce Ministry also accused the US of using tariff threats to intimidate other countries.

For Context: The US and China extended a tariff pause for 90 days in August, but the recent rise in tensions may have brought the pause to an abrupt end. China last week announced export restrictions on rare earth materials that are essential for many things, like fighter jets, nuclear reactor rods, and semiconductors, which are vital for a large swath of products. China has utilized these materials that dominate world trade, according to Bloomberg (Lean Left), as a form of weapon against the US. President Donald Trump is still expected to meet with Xi Jinping in South Korea in late October, according to Bessent, but has placed 100% tariffs and export restrictions on software expected to start on November 1.

How The Media Covered It: The Epoch Times (Lean Right) focused on the accusations made by both the US and China, highlighting commentary from Bessent and China’s Commerce Ministry. The article also noted that “the White House has moved to rebuild domestic [rare earth] capacity, fast-tracking permits for critical mineral projects.” Reuters (Center) focused on what the article called “tit-for-tat port fees” and the “turmoil at sea” because of the developments. The article also noted that both China and the US “sought to reassure traders and investors” by “highlighting cooperation between their negotiating teams and the possibility they could find a way forward.” The New York Times (Lean Left) also focused highly on the new port fees, saying “the measure is aimed at countering China’s dominance of commercial shipbuilding and helping to revitalize the American industry.    

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