Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Double Standards’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.