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Donald Trump’s most recent warning to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that China could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for overseas sales of critical elements, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments renewed fears of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

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

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

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

Last week, China announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.