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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.