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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.