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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.