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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.