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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an extra full import duty on products from China has been described as a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that the nation could implement its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Trump responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Furthermore, he threatened to withdraw from a scheduled meeting with Chinese leader Xi, which was set for a meeting in Seoul before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since April.

His comments revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, United States levies on products from China incurring an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – released by the Commerce Ministry in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored rhetoric from the zenith of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while justifying the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, misused overseas sale restrictions and “implemented” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to import duty warnings is not the right way to deal with Beijing,” their representative commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Last week, Beijing revealed it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and other materials vital for cutting-edge industry.

The action was viewed as a important measure, as the state refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are used in items such as photovoltaic modules and handheld devices.

New remarks from the US and China are being interpreted by observers as a means of bolstering negotiating stances prior to forthcoming discussions.

Is not yet known whether a summit between Donald Trump and China’s leader, expected at a conference in Seoul before month’s end, will go ahead.