🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.