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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.