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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.