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Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for exports of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of every country.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.