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

Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.