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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.