🔗 Share this article Chinese Government Condemns America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Tariff Threat Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration. A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war. Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”. Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends. Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year. His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants. This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries. Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff. China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions. The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country. The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing. “Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated. “Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.” Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing. The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones. Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks. It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.