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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.