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The former US president’s newest warning to enforce an additional complete levy on products from China has been labeled a “classic case” of United States’ contradictory behavior, as stated by the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could implement its own unrevealed “responsive actions” if the US President follows through on his pledge, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a possible trade conflict.

On Friday, Donald Trump responded at China’s decision to tighten its rules for foreign shipments of rare earths, alleging Beijing of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to withdraw from a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day unsettled global markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping 2.7%, marking its largest decline since earlier this year.

These statements revived fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove significant levies on each other’s imports, which had led to concerns of trade halting between the two nations.

Consequently, US tariffs on Chinese goods incurring an additional 30% levy compared with the beginning of 2025, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market incur a import levy.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of official answers to press queries – reflected language from the height of the latest commercial tensions.

The remarks condemned United States controls on electronic components while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “normal actions” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

Their representative said that for “a long time”, the United States had “expanded the interpretation” of state security, exploited overseas sale restrictions and “enforced” discriminatory practices against China.

“Using” tariff threats is not the right way to deal with China,” their representative stated.

“The nation’s view” on a tariff war has always been consistent: we do not want one, but we are fearless of one.”

Recently, China revealed it was strengthening overseas sale regulations on key elements and further resources essential to high-technology production.

This was seen as a significant step, as the country processes about the vast majority of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in items such as renewable energy components and smartphones.

New remarks from Washington and Beijing are being interpreted by observers as a strategy of enhancing bargaining power ahead of upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Donald Trump and President Xi, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea later this month, will take place as planned.