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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.