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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.