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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being seen by some as a method of enhancing bargaining power ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.