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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.