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Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.