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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

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