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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the US President executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for exports of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a conference in Seoul later this month.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the form of official answers to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will go ahead.