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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.