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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” their representative said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of strengthening positions prior to forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.