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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of US double standards, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.