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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.