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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

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