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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.