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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to pull out of a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, misused export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.