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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added import tax 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 form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.