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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state 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 stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.