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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader carries out his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled summit with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

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

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports incurring an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country face a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Commerce Ministry in the form of written responses to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by analysts as a method of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.