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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to press queries – mirrored language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.