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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.