China has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, calling it a “typical example of US double standards.” The sharp response came from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which also warned that Beijing would take its own “countermeasures” if the US follows through with the move.
The ministry’s spokesperson said China was “not afraid” of a possible trade war and accused Washington of using tariffs as a tool of pressure. “Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson said. “China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”
Trump’s remarks came after Beijing announced tighter rules for the export of rare earth elements — materials essential for the production of electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy components. The US president accused China of becoming “very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive.” 
He also suggested that he might cancel a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. However, in a social media post on Sunday, Trump appeared to soften his tone, writing: “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The USA wants to help China, not hurt it!”
The latest exchange between Washington and Beijing rattled global financial markets. On Friday, US stocks tumbled, with the S&P 500 index closing 2.7% lower — its steepest drop since April. In Asia, markets also reacted negatively on Monday, with the Shenzhen Composite Index falling 0.74% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropping 1.5%.
The tension marks a new chapter in the long-running trade rivalry between the two economic powers. Earlier this year, both sides had agreed to lift triple-digit tariffs that had been weighing heavily on global trade. But the recent turn of events has revived fears of a renewed tariff war, which could disrupt supply chains and impact industries worldwide.
China’s commerce ministry defended its decision to tighten rare earth exports, calling it a “normal action” aimed at protecting national security. Officials also accused the US of hypocrisy, pointing to Washington’s export restrictions on chips and semiconductors. “For a long time, the US has overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures, and adopted discriminatory practices against China,” the ministry said.
