Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Hypocritical Policies’ Over Trade Levy Warning

The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.