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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.