🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.