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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.