🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.