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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.