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Trump’s most recent threat to impose an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that Beijing could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the official stated.

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

The previous week, China revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.