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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.