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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.