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Donald Trump’s newest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to interact with China,” the official said.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.