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Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra full import duty on products 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 Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

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

His comments reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.