Beijing Slams US of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Concerning Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.