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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.