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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Recently, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.