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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.