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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.