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Trump’s newest threat to impose an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

These statements renewed apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese goods incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of formal replies to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on electronic components while defending the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

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

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

Last week, the Chinese government announced it was tightening export controls on rare earth minerals and further resources vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as solar panels and mobile phones.

Latest statements from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by some as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.