Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.