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Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words reignited fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.