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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.