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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded 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 photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.