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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.