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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

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

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.