🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.