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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.