🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

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

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.