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Donald Trump’s most recent threat to introduce an extra complete levy on products from China has been called a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, according to the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry also stated that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, noting that the country was “unafraid” of a potential commercial battle.

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

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month.

Trump’s comments on that day shook financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived apprehensions of a trade conflict between the United States and China.

Earlier this year, the both nations had consented to remove high import duties on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two countries.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

Beijing’s recent statements – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the form of official answers to journalist’s questions – echoed language from the height of the ongoing trade dispute.

The remarks condemned American limits on exports on electronic components while defending Beijing’s overseas sale regulations on key elements as “normal actions” to ensure state interests and that of every country.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” unfair treatments against Beijing.

“Turning to” trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to deal with the Chinese government,” their representative commented.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has consistently been unchanging: we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one.”

Last week, China announced it was strengthening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and further resources essential to cutting-edge industry.

This move was regarded as a key move, as the nation processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in products such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being seen by some as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Is not yet known whether a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in South Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.