China Accuses US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.