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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.