Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.