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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.