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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

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

In May, the both nations had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.