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The former US president’s latest warning to impose an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and further resources essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.