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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a method of strengthening positions prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.