🔗 Share this article

Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.