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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.