BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Commerce on Sunday sharply criticized the latest trade offensive by the United States, accusing Washington of “arbitrary double standards” after President Donald Trump announced plans for sweeping new tariffs and export controls.

The escalation comes after President Trump announced late Friday on Truth Social that the U.S. would impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese imports, over and above any tariff that they are currently paying, alongside strict export controls on critical U.S.-made software, beginning November 1. Trump stated the action was a response to Beijing’s recent move to tighten export controls on rare-earth elements, which are vital minerals for global high-tech manufacturing.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry released a sharply worded statement in response, saying the U.S. measures “severely harm China’s interests” and “undermine the atmosphere for bilateral economic and trade talks.”

A spokesperson for the ministry stated, “The relevant US statement is a typical example of ‘double standards’,” and called the decision a “classic case of double standards.” Beijing further accused Washington of escalating economic pressure since recent trade talks in Madrid, pointing to the continuous blacklisting of Chinese entities.

Reaffirming its long-held position on trade disputes, the ministry warned of retaliation, declaring: “We do not want to fight, but we are not afraid to fight.” The statement added, “Threatening high tariffs at every turn is not the right approach to engaging with China,” and urged the U.S. to “promptly correct its erroneous practices.”

The ministry concluded with a warning: “Should the US persist in its course, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”