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Trump’s latest warning to impose an further complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his warning, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

Last Friday, Donald Trump hit back at Beijing’s move to reinforce its rules for overseas sales of rare earths, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the international market “under its control”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a arranged talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea later this month.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments reignited fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the two sides had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s products, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese goods facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China face a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on electronic components while supporting China’s own overseas sale regulations on key elements as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The spokesperson remarked that for “a long time”, the America had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the proper method to engage with Beijing,” the spokesperson commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, China revealed it was reinforcing foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a means of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.