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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.