🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.