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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.