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Trump’s newest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.