BANGKOK – On Monday, China refused to relent in its trade dispute with the U.S., urging President Donald Trump to retract his recent ultimatum of a 100% tariff along with other newly declared export control measures that were revealed over the weekend.
The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China intensified after Trump’s threat, which was aimed at all Chinese goods entering the U.S., following China’s decision on Thursday to enforce tighter controls on rare earths, essential for electronics production.
This development appeared to catch Trump off guard, as he remarked it was an unexpected move. Despite not pulling back the economic threats, Trump seemed more reconciliatory than before, noting in a post on Truth Social on Sunday, “The U.S.A. aims to assist China, not harm it!!!”
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a lengthy response Sunday saying the U.S. was “severely damaging the atmosphere of trade negotiations.”
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responded on Monday, stating, “China urges the U.S. to immediately rectify its mistaken actions. Should the U.S. choose to continue its path, China will undoubtedly take firm steps to protect its rightful interests.”
Both countries have utilized various tactics in their trade conflict, ranging from U.S. constraints on China’s import of advanced computer chips, to China ceasing the purchase of American soybeans, and imposing reciprocal port charges.
Indicators of economic health reveal that the retaliatory measures and the resultant uncertainty are affecting bilateral trade. Chinese trade figures released on Monday showed a continuous decline in exports to the U.S. over six consecutive months, with a 27% reduction in September compared to the previous year.
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