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Donald Trump’s latest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.