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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited export control measures and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a high-level meeting in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.