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Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.