Chinese Government Condemns US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.