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The former US president’s most recent warning to impose an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Beijing administration.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could implement its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to strengthen its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Furthermore, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with China’s President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

This past spring, the respective governments had consented to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of bilateral trade stopping between the two countries.

As a result, American import duties on products from China facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Ministry of Commerce in the manner of formal replies to press queries – reflected rhetoric from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending Beijing’s export controls on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to safeguard state interests and that of all nations.

The spokesperson stated that for “many years”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, exploited export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with Beijing,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a import duty dispute has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, Beijing declared it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

New remarks from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

Remains uncertain whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul later this month, will take place as planned.