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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.