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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.