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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.