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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

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

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.