🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.