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Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, abused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official said.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.