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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.