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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.