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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.