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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

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

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.