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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.