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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.