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The former US president’s newest ultimatum to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments renewed apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had agreed to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “standard procedures” to ensure national security and that of all nations.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the nation processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.