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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, charging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks, will go ahead.