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Donald Trump’s latest ultimatum to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader carries out his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi, which was arranged for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting Beijing’s export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

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

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, the Chinese government declared it was reinforcing export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by analysts as a means of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will take place as planned.