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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could enact its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.