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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.