Pakistan, Oct. 12 -- Beijing has accused Washington of escalating trade tensions after US President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on Chinese exports and new export controls on critical software. In response, China defended its recent curbs on rare earth exports, calling them lawful and necessary, while criticizing the US for blacklisting Chinese firms and imposing additional port fees on China-linked vessels. The Chinese commerce ministry said these actions have "severely harmed China's interests" and damaged the atmosphere for ongoing trade negotiations.

The renewed trade dispute has rattled global markets and disrupted business confidence, particularly among industries dependent on China's rare earth production. Beijing produces...