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Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.