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

The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.