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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.