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Donald Trump’s newest threat to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.