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Donald Trump’s newest ultimatum to impose an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump responded at Beijing’s move to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – mirrored terminology from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to safeguard domestic safety and that of the global community.

Their representative remarked that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of state security, abused export control measures and “implemented” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the proper method to deal with China,” their representative commented.

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

The previous week, Beijing announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state handles about 90% of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.