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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.