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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.