🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.