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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.