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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

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