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The former US president’s latest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.