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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.