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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.