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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.