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The former US president’s latest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.