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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.