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Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent 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 seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.