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Donald Trump’s latest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.