China Accuses America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, 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 fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.