Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.