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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.