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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.