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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – mirrored terminology from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

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

Latest statements from both governments are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.