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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.