BEIJING/HONG KONG — China called President Donald J. Trump’s latest US tariffs on Chinese goods hypocritical on Sunday and defended its curbs on exports of rare earth elements and equipment but stopped short of imposing new levies on US products.

Mr. Trump on Friday responded to Beijing’s most recent export controls by imposing additional tariffs of 100% on China’s US-bound exports, along with new export controls on critical software by Nov. 1.

The revived trade tensions have rattled Wall Street, sending Big Tech shares tumbling, worried foreign companies dependent on China’s production of processed rare earths and rare earth magnets, and could derail a summit between Mr. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping tentatively scheduled for later this month.

RESPONDING TO TRUMP
The Chinese commerce ministry’s statement on Sunday was Beijing’s first direct response to Mr. Trump’s lengthy Truth Social post on Friday, where he accused Beijing of suddenly raising trade tensions after an uneasy truce was reached six months ago between the world’s two largest economies, allowing them to trade goods without sky-high tariff rates.

“Our relationship with China over the past six months has been a very good one, thereby making this move on Trade an even more surprising one,” Mr. Trump said.

The commerce ministry said in an equally lengthy statement that its export controls on rare-earth elements followed a series of US measures since bilateral trade talks in Madrid last month.

Beijing cited the addition of Chinese companies to a US trade blacklist and Washington’s imposition of port fees on China-linked ships as examples.

“The US actions have severely harmed China’s interests and undermined the atmosphere of bilateral economic and trade talks, and China is resolutely opposed to them,” the ministry said.

Beijing stopped short of explicitly connecting these US actions to its export curbs on rare earth elements, saying its curbs were motivated by concern about these materials’ military applications at a time of “frequent military conflicts.”

It also held off on announcing a corresponding levy on China-bound US imports, unlike earlier in the year, when both superpowers progressively ratcheted up tariffs on each other until the US rate was 145% while China’s was 125%.

“Willful threats of high tariffs are not the right way to get along with China. China’s position on the trade war is consistent: we do not want it, but we are not afraid of it,” the commerce ministry said, adding China would take corresponding measures if the US did not correct its course.

‘PATH FOR NEGOTIATIONS’
China’s decision not to immediately respond in kind to Mr. Trump’s opening salvo in this latest round of trade tensions could leave the door open for both countries to negotiate a de-escalation, analysts said.

“By clarifying the rationale behind its retaliatory measures, Beijing is also outlining a potential path forward for negotiations. The ball is now in the US court,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, managing director at strategic advisory firm GreenPoint.

But Hutong Research said in a note on Saturday that if Beijing chooses not to respond to Mr. Trump’s 100% tariff hike, it may signal that Beijing no longer prioritizes a long-term deal with him, reflecting diminished confidence in his ability to restrain hawks or stick to commitments.

“Key watchpoints now: Whether Beijing moves to freeze or complicate the TikTok sale, given its political symbolism. Proceeding with the sale under current conditions would be seen as a major concession,” the research firm said.

CHINA SAYS EXPORT CONTROLS ARE NOT EXPORT BANS
The commerce ministry also countered Mr. Trump’s narrative that China was using its dominance in processed rare earths and rare earth magnets to attack all countries, not just the US.

“We have been contacted by other countries who are extremely angry at this great trade hostility, which came out of nowhere,” Mr. Trump said on Friday on Truth Social.

China produces over 90% of the world’s processed rare earths and rare earth magnets. The 17 rare earths are vital materials in products ranging from electric vehicles to aircraft engines and military radars.

Exports of 12 of them are restricted after China’s commerce ministry on Thursday added five — holmium, erbium, thulium, europium and ytterbium — along with related materials.

The commerce ministry statement on Sunday sought to reassure foreign companies spooked by the latest export curbs, promising to promote compliant trade by granting general licenses and license exemptions.

“China’s export controls are not export bans,” it said. “Any export applications for civilian use that comply with regulations will be approved, and relevant enterprises need not worry.” — Reuters

SYDNEY — Australia is mulling the introduction of mandated floor prices for critical minerals and funding for new rare earth projects as part of a proposed resources deal with the United States, The Age newspaper reported on Sunday.

Government officials have initiated talks with miners about contributing to a A$1.2-billion ($776.28-million) “critical minerals strategic reserve,” The Age reported, citing a leaked brief from the department of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

According to the newspaper, Mr. Albanese wants to secure the deal before meeting President Donald J. Trump on Oct. 20 in Washington, the first summit between the security allies during Mr. Trump’s second term.

On Friday, Mr. Trump revived a trade war against Beijing in a reprisal against China for curbing its rare earths exports. China dominates the market for such elements, which are essential to tech manufacturing.

Reuters reported last month that Australia is willing to sell shares in a strategic reserve of critical minerals to allies, including Britain, as Western governments scramble to end their reliance on China for rare earths and minor metals. ($1 = 1.5458 Australian dollars). —  Reuters

BRUSSELS — European Union (EU) member countries began rolling out a new entry and exit system on Sunday at the bloc’s external borders, electronically registering non-EU nationals’ data.

The Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated system that requires travelers to register at the border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken, will be introduced over six months.

The move is aimed at detecting overstayers, tackling identity fraud, and preventing illegal migration amid political pressure in some EU countries to take a tougher stance.

“The Entry/Exit System is the digital backbone of our new common European migration and asylum framework,” European Internal Affairs and Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner said in a statement.

SIX MONTHS TO ADJUST
Non-EU citizens will have to register their personal details when they first enter the Schengen area -— all EU member countries apart from Ireland and Cyprus, but including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Subsequent journeys will only require facial biometric verification.

The system should be fully operational, with passport stamping replaced with electronic records, on April 10, 2026.

“Every third country national who arrives at an external border will undergo identity verification, security screening, and registration in the EU databases,” Mr. Brunner said, adding that “the six-month rollout gives member states, travelers, and businesses time to transition smoothly to the new procedures.”

For British travelers using the Port of Dover, the Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone or Eurostar terminal at London’s St. Pancras International, the process will take place at the border before they leave the UK.

At Dover and the Eurotunnel terminal, only freight and coach traffic will be subject to EES checks from Sunday.

Passenger vehicle checks will follow in November at Dover and by the end of the year at Eurotunnel, while the Eurostar at St. Pancras will gradually introduce the new process starting with some business travelers from Sunday.

“We recognize that EES checks will be a significant change for British travelers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible,” British Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris said.

“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders, and these modernization measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration,” Mr. Norris said. — Reuters