Beijing Slams US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.