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Trump’s latest ultimatum to introduce an additional full import duty on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry further commented that China could enact its own unspecified “retaliatory steps” if the US President carries out his warning, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

Last Friday, Trump hit back at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also threatened to cancel a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was set for a meeting in South Korea later this month.

His statements on Friday shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

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

This past spring, the both nations had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China incurring an added 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to journalist’s questions – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The spokesperson stated that for “an extended period”, the US had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” unfair treatments against China.

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

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing declared it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country refines about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

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

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.