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The former US president’s latest threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

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

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.