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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.