🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.