Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.