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The former US president’s most recent warning to enforce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson additionally remarked that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a possible trade war.

On Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its rules for overseas sales of critical elements, charging China of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the international market “hostage”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was expected to take place during a conference in South Korea later this month.

His statements on last Friday rattled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index closing down nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a trade war between the US and China.

This past spring, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the economic powers.

As a result, American import duties on Chinese imports facing an added import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a ten percent duty.

The most recent comments from China – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised American limits on exports on electronic components while justifying China’s own export controls on rare earth minerals as “standard procedures” to safeguard state interests and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused export control measures and “adopted discriminatory practices against the Chinese nation.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the country refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in items such as solar panels and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being viewed by analysts as a strategy of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for forthcoming discussions.

It is unclear whether a summit between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a summit in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.