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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.