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

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.