Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.