🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official commented.

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

The previous week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.