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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on products from China incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.