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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been called a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry also stated that the nation could introduce its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president hit back at Beijing’s move to tighten its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he warned to withdraw from a planned talks with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday shook global markets, with the S&P 500 falling by 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

His comments revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

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

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the correct approach to deal with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained consistent: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being seen by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between the former president and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in South Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.