🔗 Share this article China Accuses America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Concerning Import Duty Ultimatum The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration. A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict. Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”. Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends. His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring. These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants. Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers. As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff. China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions. Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country. The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China. “Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official said. “Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.” The previous week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry. This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones. New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations. Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.