Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.