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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.