🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.