🔗 Share this article China Accuses United States of ‘Double Standards’ Concerning Tariff Threat Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government. A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle. Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”. He also warned to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month. The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April. The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China. In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers. As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the year’s onset, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty. China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute. They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country. The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing. “Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented. “The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.” Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry. The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones. New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions. Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.