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The former US president’s newest warning to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.