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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.