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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.