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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

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

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.