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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.