🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.