Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.

Nicole Wells
Nicole Wells

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