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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.