🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 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 Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.