Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Tariff Threat

Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

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