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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.