Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.