🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.