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Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.