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Donald Trump’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his warning, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a planned meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments reignited apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by some as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.