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Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to interact with China,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.