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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy 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 – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.