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Trump’s most recent warning to introduce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

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

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the format of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official said that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.