Beijing Slams America of ‘Contradictory Stances’ Regarding Trade Levy Warning

Trump’s newest warning to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.