Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum
Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.
A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.
This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.
He also warned to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.
Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.
The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.
This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.
This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.
Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.
The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.
Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.
“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.
“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”
Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.
This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.
The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.
Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.