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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.