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Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.