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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.