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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.