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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a planned meeting with China’s President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

Last week, China declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.