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The former US president’s most recent threat to impose an further complete levy on products from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson further commented that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its policies for exports of critical elements, alleging the Chinese leadership of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged talks with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

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

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to eliminate high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an added thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting the country’s own overseas sale regulations on rare earths as “normal actions” to safeguard national security and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

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

Recently, the Chinese government announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earths and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the country handles about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in goods such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.