Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum
The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.
A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.
This past Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.
Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.
His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.
These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.
This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.
Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering the country face a ten percent duty.
China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.
The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.
Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.
“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.
“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”
The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.
This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.
The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.
It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.