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Trump’s latest threat to introduce an additional full import duty on items imported from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the Chinese government.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could implement its own unrevealed “countermeasures” if the American leader follows through on his threat, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to reinforce its regulations for overseas sales of rare earths, charging Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he vowed to pull out of a planned talks with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was set for a summit in the Republic of Korea before the month ends.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its largest decline since April.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the respective governments had consented to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the economic powers.

This left, United States levies on Chinese imports facing an additional import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering China incur a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected terminology from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while justifying Beijing’s restrictions on exports on rare earth minerals as “routine measures” to ensure domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative stated that for “a long time”, the US had “broadened the definition” of domestic safety, abused overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to interact with China,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a trade conflict has consistently been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government declared it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on rare earths and additional substances critical for advanced tech manufacturing.

This was seen as a key move, as the nation refines about the vast majority of the global rare earth supply, which are employed in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by some as a means of strengthening positions ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a talks between the former president and China’s leader, planned at a conference in South Korea later this month, will still proceed.