Beijing Slams America of ‘Double Standards’ Over Import Duty Ultimatum

Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s 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 rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.