Beijing Slams America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s newest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority 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 viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.