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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.