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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

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

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.