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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.