Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.