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Trump’s newest warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.