China has condemned Donald Trump’s threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods, calling it an example of US “double standards.” Beijing warned of possible countermeasures and accused Washington of abusing export controls. Trump’s comments, made after China tightened rare earth export rules, shook global markets and revived trade war fears. Both sides appear to be hardening their positions ahead of a potential Trump–Xi meeting later this month, which remains uncertain.
Donald Trump’s new warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been condemned by Beijing as “a typical example of US double standards,” according to China’s Commerce Ministry.
A ministry spokesperson said China could take its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country is “not afraid” of a trade war.
On Friday, Trump responded to China’s decision to tighten export controls on rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive.”
He also threatened to cancel his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place later this month.
Trump’s remarks triggered market turbulence, with the S&P 500 index dropping 2.7% — its sharpest decline since April — reigniting fears of a renewed trade war between Washington and Beijing.
In May, both nations had agreed to withdraw triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, a move that had raised hopes of avoiding a full-scale trade halt.
Currently, US tariffs on Chinese goods are up 30% compared to the start of the year, while Chinese tariffs on US goods stand at about 10%.
China’s latest comments — released through written responses to journalists — echoed statements made during the peak of the previous trade conflict.
Beijing denounced US export restrictions on chips and semiconductors, while defending its own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” intended to protect national and global security.
The Commerce Ministry spokesperson accused the US of having “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures,” and practiced “discriminatory actions against China.”
“Using tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said, reaffirming that “China’s stance on a tariff war remains unchanged: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”
Last week, China announced tighter export controls on rare earths and materials critical to advanced technology manufacturing — a strategic move given its role in processing nearly 90% of the world’s rare earths, essential for products like smartphones and solar panels.
Observers say the recent remarks from both sides appear aimed at strengthening negotiating positions ahead of possible trade talks.
It remains uncertain whether the planned meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected to take place at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still go ahead.