China Accuses United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.