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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

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