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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, the former president hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on that day shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on electronic components while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to deal with China,” the official said.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

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

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.