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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

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

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.