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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.