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

Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.