China Accuses United States of ‘Double Standards’ Regarding Import Duty Ultimatum

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.