🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

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

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.