China Accuses US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Tariff Threat
Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.
A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.
On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.
Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.
The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.
His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.
In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.
This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.
China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.
Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.
The official said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.
“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.
“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”
Recently, China revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.
This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.
Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.
Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.