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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.