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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.