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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Last week, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.