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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

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

Last week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.