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

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade war.

Last Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its policies for exports of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Additionally, he vowed to cancel a arranged summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

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

Consequently, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

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

The official remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with the Chinese government,” their representative stated.

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

The previous week, the Chinese government announced it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and other materials essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.