Beijing Slams United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.