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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.