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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, the former president retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a scheduled talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China declared it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.