🔗 Share this article

Trump’s latest warning to impose an additional 100% tariff on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a summit in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had agreed to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

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

China’s latest remarks – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored language from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “an extended period”, the America had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a means of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.