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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.