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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.