🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

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

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.