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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.