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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a arranged meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – echoed terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the America had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation processes about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and President Xi, expected at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.