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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

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

The president’s words revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.