Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

The former US president’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.