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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.