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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.