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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.