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Donald Trump’s newest threat to introduce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.