🔗 Share this article

The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.