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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.