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The former US president’s newest threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader follows through on his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

His comments revived concerns of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market face a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, misused export control measures and “enforced” discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the proper method to engage with China,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has remained steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

Latest statements from both governments are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances prior to future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and President Xi, expected at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.