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The former US president’s latest warning to introduce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming 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 “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a scheduled summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

This left, United States levies on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of strengthening positions in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.