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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also vowed to cancel a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul later this month.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on key elements as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing announced it was tightening export controls on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are used in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, scheduled at a summit in South Korea later this month, will take place as planned.