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Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President follows through on his pledge, adding that the country was “fearless” of a possible commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its policies for exports of rare earth minerals, accusing China of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned summit with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was expected to take place during a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

These statements reignited concerns of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

Consequently, United States levies on Chinese imports incurring an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the US had “overstretched the concept of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted discriminatory practices against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to engage with China,” the official stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

The previous week, Beijing declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earth minerals and additional substances critical for high-technology production.

The action was viewed as a key move, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in items such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from the US and China are being seen by some as a method of strengthening positions ahead of future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a summit between Trump and China’s leader, scheduled at a high-level meeting in Seoul before month’s end, will still proceed.