Beijing Slams United States of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

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

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.