In recent days, in response to Beijing's legitimate and necessary measures to improve the regulation of exports of rare earth items in order to make the industry more sustainable, the United States administration has once again threatened to impose exorbitant tariffs and expand export controls.

The US appears to believe that trade is a domain for zero-sum games and unilateral diktats. It operates under the illusion that threats of extreme tariffs — such as the recent 100 percent tariff threat — can force concessions from China. This is a profound miscalculation. China is not a country that can be bullied into submission.

China's export control measures on rare earths and related items, announced on October 9, are legitimate actions to refine its system in accordance with laws and regulations. As a responsible major country, China safeguards national and international security, takes a just and reasonable position, and implements controls prudently to defend world peace, regional stability, and non-proliferation obligations.

As China's Ministry of Commerce has clearly stated, the controls on rare earth exports are not an outright ban. The government will conduct reviews and grant licenses for eligible applications, particularly those for civilian use, ensuring that legitimate trade continues unimpeded.

The irrational reaction of the US to the move underscores its persistent and misguided approach to international trade — one built on the belief that countries can be strong-armed into submission. That is a misplaced belief when it comes to China.

But in the face of that fact, the US is doubling down on its attempted coercion. Despite the progress that has been made in the recent economic and trade talks, the US has, in a matter of weeks, introduced a slew of new restrictive measures targeting China. It has added more Chinese entities to various exclusion lists and persisted with Section 301 tariffs targeting key Chinese industries. This relentless pressure campaign has served to poison the atmosphere for bilateral dialogue.

Beijing's position is consistent and principled: The nation possesses both the resolve and the capability to defend its legitimate rights and interests. China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one.

The underlying issue is a fundamental divergence in philosophy. China's stance is not one of mere defiance. It keeps the door to dialogue open, but only on the basis of mutual respect and equal-footed consultation. China is open to solution-oriented talks and is willing to address respective concerns through established mechanisms, as evidenced by its continued engagement in consultation channels.

The path forward is clear. The US administration should correct its wrong practices, honor the consensus reached between the two heads of state, and work with Beijing to properly resolve the trade dispute. The stable, sound, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations serves the fundamental interests of both nations and the world. If the US continues down the wrong path, it will bear full responsibility for the consequences.

China is prepared for either course of action. It is willing to engage in equitable discussion, but equally ready to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and development rights.