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The former US president’s most recent warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.