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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” the official said.

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

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.