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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

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