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The former US president’s newest threat to impose an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for exports of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also vowed to cancel a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” the official stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a key move, as the country processes about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.