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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on products 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 enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “fearless” of a potential trade war.

This past Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a arranged summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements renewed concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on products from China facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of all nations.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

This was seen as a key move, as the state refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.