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Trump’s newest threat to enforce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

He also threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove high import duties on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, US tariffs on products from China incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, misused export control measures and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has remained consistent: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.