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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also threatened to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since April.

His comments revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has remained unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

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

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.