China Accuses United States of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of 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.