🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.