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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that the nation could enact its own unrevealed “retaliatory steps” if the US President executes his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “fearless” of a looming trade war.

This past Friday, Donald Trump hit back at the Chinese government’s action to strengthen its policies for overseas sales of rare earth minerals, accusing the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the world “captive”.

Additionally, he threatened to pull out of a planned talks with Beijing’s head of state Xi Jinping, which was set for a meeting in the Republic of Korea in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the S&P 500 share index dropping over two and a half percent, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived apprehensions of a trade war between the two economic giants.

Earlier this year, the two sides had reached an agreement to drop high import duties on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of bilateral trade stopping between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an extra import tax compared with the beginning of 2025, while US goods entering the country incur a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – issued by the relevant government department in the form of formal replies to journalist’s questions – reflected terminology from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised US export restrictions on electronic components while supporting the country’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “routine measures” to ensure state interests and that of all nations.

The official remarked that for “many years”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of state security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Using” trade levy ultimatums is not the right way to engage with Beijing,” the official said.

“The nation’s view” on a trade conflict has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on rare earths and other materials essential to advanced tech manufacturing.

The action was viewed as a significant step, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are used in goods such as photovoltaic modules and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between the former president and Xi Jinping, expected at a conference in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will take place as planned.