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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by observers as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.