🔗 Share this article

Trump’s most recent warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

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

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources critical for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.