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Donald Trump’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

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

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.