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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.