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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

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

Recently, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.