Chinese Government Condemns United States of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.

David Mejia
David Mejia

A materials scientist specializing in plasma applications with over 15 years of industry experience.