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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.