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Donald Trump’s newest warning to impose an extra full import duty on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the Beijing administration.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry additionally remarked that Beijing could implement its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the White House occupant executes his pledge, adding that the country was “unafraid” of a looming trade conflict.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

He also vowed to withdraw from a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which was arranged for a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday unsettled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 share index falling by nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since last spring.

The president’s words revived fears of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to eliminate significant levies on each other’s products, which had led to concerns of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering China incur a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – published by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to press queries – mirrored language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

Officials denounced American limits on exports on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to safeguard domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the United States had “overstretched the concept of national security, exploited export control measures and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has remained steady: we are not seeking one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, China announced it was reinforcing export controls on key elements and additional substances essential to cutting-edge industry.

This was seen as a important measure, as the country processes about ninety percent of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by analysts as a means of enhancing bargaining power prior to upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a conference in Seoul in the coming weeks, will take place as planned.