🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

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

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.