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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an further full import duty on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.