Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.