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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping 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 country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.