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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.