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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.