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Trump’s newest ultimatum to enforce an further full import duty on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, per the China’s leadership.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could introduce its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the White House occupant executes his threat, noting that the country was “not afraid” of a looming trade conflict.

On Friday, the former president responded at Beijing’s move to strengthen its rules for foreign shipments of rare earth minerals, alleging China of “adopting a confrontational stance” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

He also vowed to pull out of a arranged meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which was expected to take place during a meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on Friday shook global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

His comments revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the US and China.

Earlier this year, the respective governments had reached an agreement to drop triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had created the possibility of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while American products entering the country face a 10% tariff.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to press queries – mirrored terminology from the zenith of the latest commercial tensions.

They criticised US export restrictions on chips and semi-conductors while supporting the country’s own export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect national security and that of every country.

The spokesperson said that for “a long time”, the United States had “broadened the definition” of national security, misused foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” biased policies against China.

“Resorting to trade levy ultimatums is not the proper method to interact with China,” their representative stated.

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

Recently, Beijing declared it was strengthening export controls on rare earths and further resources critical for high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about 90% of the global rare earth supply, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

The recent comments from both governments are being interpreted by observers as a means of enhancing bargaining power in preparation for upcoming negotiations.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, expected at a high-level meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month, will still proceed.