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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 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 representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Recently, China revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.