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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.