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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.