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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.