Beijing Slams United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will still proceed.