China Accuses America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.