Beijing Slams United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.