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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.