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Trump’s latest threat to enforce an extra full import duty on items imported from China has been labeled a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a potential commercial battle.

On Friday, the former president retaliated at China’s decision to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the world “under its control”.

Furthermore, he vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader President Xi, which was arranged for a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday rattled financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the two economic giants.

This past spring, the both nations had agreed to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

As a result, US tariffs on Chinese imports facing an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China face a ten percent duty.

China’s latest remarks – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the peak of the latest commercial tensions.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on chips and semi-conductors while supporting Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of domestic safety, misused foreign shipment regulations and “implemented” discriminatory practices against China.

“Turning to” import duty warnings is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson stated.

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

Last week, Beijing announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on rare earth minerals and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are employed in items such as renewable energy components and handheld devices.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.