🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

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

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.