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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his pledge, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

His comments renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the respective governments had agreed to remove significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

Consequently, American import duties on products from China subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the relevant government department in the format of official answers to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while defending the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the right way to interact with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

Last week, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will still proceed.