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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for exports of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a ten percent duty.

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

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson remarked that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a means of strengthening positions ahead of forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.