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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.