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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce 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 also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

In May, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.