🔗 Share this article

Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of US double standards, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.