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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.