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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

In May, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.