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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.