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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.