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Donald Trump’s newest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has always been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources vital for high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the state processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.