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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to impose an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

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

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

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country face a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – echoed terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the official said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state handles about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.