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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.