China Accuses United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.