🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.