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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his warning, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China incur a 10% tariff.

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

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

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

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, planned at a conference in Seoul later this month, will go ahead.