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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

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

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.