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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against Beijing.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country handles about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.