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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

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

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.