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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

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

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.