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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing announced it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.