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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of US double standards, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.