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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

In May, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.