Beijing Slams America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Tariff Threat

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.