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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an further 100% tariff on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of critical elements, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a scheduled talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of all nations.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to interact with China,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from the US and China are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.