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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

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

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.