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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.