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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.