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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President executes his warning, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, charging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to pull out of a planned meeting with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on Friday shook financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

The president’s words reignited concerns of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, American import duties on Chinese goods facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on semiconductors and chips while justifying China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to ensure domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited export control measures and “adopted unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to interact with China,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

The previous week, China announced it was strengthening export controls on key elements and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between the former president and Xi Jinping, planned at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.