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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.