‘Should correct its wrong approach’: China warns after Donald Trump’s tariff threat; calls for dialogue on equal footing

China on Wednesday termed Donald Trump‘s 100% tariff threat as the “wrong approach” to deal with Beijing, as it went on to defend its export control measures on rare earths and related items. It called upon the States to address issues through dialogue and consultation on the “basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit”.“China’s position has been consistent and clear. It is the US who asks for talks while threatening high tariffs and new restrictions. This is not the right way to deal with China,” the ministry of foreign affairs said.Also read: US trade czar attacks Beijing over ‘chaos’; Trump ready to meet Xi“The US should correct its wrong approach. The two sides can and should address relevant issues through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” it added.It further said that its rare earth export control measure was “in line with laws and international practice”.“China took export control measures on rare earths and related items to better safeguard peace and regional stability, and fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations. The measures are in line with laws and international practice,” it said.US President Donald Trump announced an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports, raising the total tariff on goods from China to 130%. Alongside the tariffs, the US president warned that starting November 1, Washington would impose export restrictions on “any and all critical software,” AFP reported.He said that the new tariffs are a direct reaction to Beijing’s recent move to impose broad export controls on rare earths, a sector in which China maintains a dominant role.