Beijing Slams United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.