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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.