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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

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

The previous week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.