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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.