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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.