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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments revived fears of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the country refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.