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

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.