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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

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

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.