China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.

Susan Palmer
Susan Palmer

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