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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of US double standards, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.