“Threatening [przez USA] constantly high tariffs is not the right way to approach relations with China,” said an unnamed spokesman of the ministry in answers to questions published on the website. He added that the US actions “seriously harm Chinese interests and undermine the atmosphere of economic and trade talks.”
A representative of the Ministry of Commerce accused the authorities in Washington of “abusing the concept of national security” and using discriminatory practices for a long time, placing over 3,000 products on their export control list. items, while the Chinese list contains about 900 of them.
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Things are hot between the US and China. Trump announces tariffs, China introduces restrictions
On Friday, Trump said he would impose additional tariffs, effective Nov. 1, in response to what he called “extremely aggressive” new Chinese export restrictions on rare earth minerals.
A day earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the introduction of broad restrictions, including on the transfer of technologies used to extract, smelt and process these raw materials. It was announced that applications for export to foreign military users would not be approved at all.
The spokesman justified this decision by the unstable situation in the world and the military use of these raw materials.
“China is a responsible power and export controls are aimed at better maintaining world peace and regional stability,” the statement emphasized. The ministry assured that “this is not an export ban” and applications for civilian applications will be considered positively.
Beijing said that while it does not want a tariff war, it will “certainly take appropriate steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests” if necessary.
The spokesman also referred to the “special port fee” for American vessels announced on Friday. This decision is in retaliation for measures taken by the US Office of Trade Representative (USTR), which will impose additional fees on Chinese ships from October 14. The Ministry of Trade called this step a “necessary and passive defense” aimed at protecting its own market.
