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Donald Trump’s latest threat to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

The former president’s remarks on that day rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since April.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected language from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

The remarks condemned United States controls on semiconductors and chips while defending China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” the official commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials vital for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by some as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.