🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides 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 nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.