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Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an further full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to tighten its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he warned to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since April.

These statements renewed fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an added thirty percent tariff 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 – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to deal with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and additional substances essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country refines about 90% of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.