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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

He also warned to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with China,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.