China Accuses US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.