🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

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

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.