Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Double Standards’ Over Trade Levy Warning
Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.
A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.
This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.
Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.
His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.
His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.
Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.
As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.
Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.
The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.
The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.
“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official said.
“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”
Recently, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.
This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.
Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.
Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.