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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the US President follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “an extended period”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with Beijing,” their representative said.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

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

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

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, scheduled at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.