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The former US president’s latest warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

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

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