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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the official stated.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.