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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional 30% levy 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 – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.