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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.