🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.