🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.