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The former US president’s newest threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.