Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

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

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.