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Donald Trump’s newest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.