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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump 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 international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.