🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.