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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.