Beijing Slams America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Tariff Threat

Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.