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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its rules for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also warned to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the relevant government department in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – echoed language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the official commented.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a talks between Trump and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.