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Donald Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra complete levy on items imported from China has been described as a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a potential trade war.

Last Friday, the former president hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing Beijing of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

He also warned to pull out of a arranged summit with China’s President Xi, which was set for a summit in South Korea before the month ends.

His statements on last Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 closing down over two and a half percent, marking its biggest drop since earlier this year.

The president’s words renewed apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the two sides had consented to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the economic powers.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – echoed language from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson said that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, China declared it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials essential to high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in products such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

New remarks from both governments are being viewed by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

It is unclear whether a meeting between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.