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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.