Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.