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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to tighten its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

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