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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.