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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official said.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.