🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

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

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.