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Donald Trump’s latest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.