Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.