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The former US president’s latest warning to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.