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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.