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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.