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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

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

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.