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The former US president’s latest ultimatum to introduce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible commercial battle.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its regulations for exports of rare earth minerals, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a arranged talks with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in Seoul before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering China face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused export control measures and “adopted biased policies against the Chinese nation.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to deal with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we do not want one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and further resources essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the nation refines about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.