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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.