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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.