China Accuses US of ‘Double Standards’ Over Tariff Threat

Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the year’s onset, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

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

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.

Aaron Cruz
Aaron Cruz

A passionate astrophysicist with a decade of experience in space research. Author of 'Stardust to Infinity'.