🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.