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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff 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 China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.