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Trump’s most recent threat to enforce an additional full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that the nation could introduce its own undisclosed “countermeasures” if the White House occupant carries out his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he warned to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a conference in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a trade war between the United States and China.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on products from China subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced United States controls on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

Their representative stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a tariff war has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, China declared it was tightening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are used in goods such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances ahead of upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.