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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.