Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.