Beijing Slams America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.