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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.