Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.