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Trump’s newest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

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