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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his pledge, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

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

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official stated.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

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

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.