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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.