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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.