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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an extra 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was set for a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

As a result, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a tariff war has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.