🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.