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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could enact its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant follows through on his warning, adding that the country was “fearless” of a looming commercial battle.

Last Friday, Donald Trump responded at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a planned summit with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

His statements on that day unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements revived fears of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to drop significant levies on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an extra thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Commerce Ministry in the format of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while defending Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure national security and that of every country.

The official stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted unfair treatments against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to engage with China,” their representative said.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances vital for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country refines about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, expected at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will still proceed.