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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

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

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.