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The former US president’s latest threat to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “routine measures” to protect state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will go ahead.