Beijing Slams US of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Over Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.