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Trump’s latest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.