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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.