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Trump’s newest warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.