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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” the official commented.

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

Last week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.