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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.