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Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.