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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

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

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.