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Trump’s latest warning to enforce an further full import duty on Chinese goods has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to cancel a arranged talks with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments renewed concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on products from China facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a import duty dispute has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

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

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

New remarks from the US and China are being seen by observers as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.