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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.