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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “many years”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.