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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.