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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.