🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, China declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.