US-China trade war: When Trump's tariff push met Beijing’s counterpunch; key points explained

The trade tensions between the United States and China have flared up once again, after a brief phase of calm, exposing how deep the divide and mistrust between the two giant economies still run. What began as a simmering disagreement over rare earth exports has now escalated into a full-blown confrontation, with both Washington and Beijing accusing each other of provocation and unfair trade practices. The latest round of hostilities began when China announced sweeping new export controls on rare earth metals, critical materials used in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and defense technologies. Beijing said the move was a national security measure, but many saw it as retaliation for Washington’s tightening restrictions on Chinese technology firms. Under the new rules, ann