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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

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

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.